How To Use Solar Panels Directly Without Battery - Off-Grid

In this video, I talk about different ways to use solar panels directly without a battery. Whether you're curious about running an inverter without batteries, leveraging solar panels for direct use, or exploring options like AC on solar panel without battery, this guide is your go-to resource.

I cover various methods, including direct solar panel usage, buck and PWM converters, larger pump controllers, and off-grid inverters, shedding light on efficiently converting solar DC to AC without the traditional battery setup.

I start with a simple explanation of powering 12V loads directly from an 18V solar panel for applications where operating without peak efficiency or potential risks to device longevity is acceptable.

Next, we use the buck converter for stepping down voltage, perfectly suited for powering USB devices or 12V DC loads, and even connecting to an inverter for AC loads. A real-world example is presented, detailing the setup for a 50W pump powered by solar panels through a buck converter and an inverter, emphasizing the practical aspects and calculations involved in such setups.

The video explores the use of PWM speed controllers to control the speed of DC motors, offering a hands-on approach to adjusting motor speed with precision. Additionally, for larger applications, the pump controller segment provides insights into managing substantial pumps with solar power, highlighting efficiency and the potential for integrating float switches for automated control based on water levels.

For high-power applications, I introduce the concept of running an inverter without a battery with the Growatt SPF 3000TL LVM-ES off-grid hybrid inverter as a viable solution for substantial solar setups without batteries.

This guide is not just about running AC on solar panels without a battery or using a solar DC to AC converter without a battery; it's a comprehensive look at alternative energy solutions tailored for those ready to embrace solar power in unique and efficient ways.

Your feedback and experiences are invaluable—share your thoughts in the comments, and let's learn from each other.

[lkm]

I use 400w x 4 panels (1.6kW) in series (total 181 v Voc, 152 v max with load) directly ( with just fuses in between) to appliances like 220v AC bldc fans, Samsung inverter refrigerator, LED 55" 4k UHD tv, 0.8 ton inverter Air conditioner, induction cooktop, LED bulb & batons. I have still kept grid for microwave oven, old juicer, old ceiling fan and 220v ac water pump 1hp.

Except last four, I use above said appliances during night to run at part load with batteries directly connected to solar panel...no charge controller, no buck, no inverter.
Battery: 49 cells of LiFePo4 (6000 mAh each-32700 type) connected in series only... with cells rotation/reshuffling every week.
Your comments please.

[rickcbertino]

Nick is an excellent resource. I paid him for a diagram to connect several components. He went above and beyond 10x back and forth not only to help me understand, but to ensure I had the correct components, type and quality so my system would not only work but be secure/safe. Thanks Nick.

[heathcwalker]

I now use 36v panels to charge 24v battery banks and 24v to 110v pure sine inverters to run 4 110v 9500gph waterfall pumps. But induction motors require 4x or greater wattage inverters or the inverter burns up. I made the mistake of putting 4 600 watt pumps on one 4000 watt inverter. It didn't last 1 day. I now have 6 240 watt panels to 2 100ah 12v in series for 24v to 1 4000 watt pure sine wave inverter to 1 9500 gph 600 watt waterfall pump made to run 24/7. I have 4 sets of that setup. The inverters don't even get warm. I got the panels from SanTan Solar for $50 each. 24 panels. Inverters were $300 each. Batteries are now $200 each. Charge controllers were about $60 each. I find 24v systems work more efficiently and have more power than 12v systems. Also, I use digital programmable relays to shut off 110v relays to turn off the loads when battery voltage reaches 24v and set to turn back on when voltage reaches 26v otherwise the LiFePO4 batteries discharge too low for the charge controller to recognize them as 24v and the inverters go into fault mode. Adding the relays stops the batteries from discharging too low and the pumps resume the next morning when the sun comes up. It takes a few days of monitoring to get the settings just right, especially on cloudy days when the relays turn on and off, I had to set a large enough delay and cut on voltage difference.

[onebluemoon.]

I want to understand this so badly, but I just can't seem to, Like I'm watching these videos waiting for something to Click in my head but it's just not happening, I do love how you layed out the video very simple visual, I will continue to watch it and hopefully a hope that something clicks, i'm so jealous of all of you that can understand this....🤔😕 Guess I will just cook up some thai peanut sauce and make my thai style char-broiled chicken burritos 😋cause cooking is what I can understand 😂😂 .

[animarkzero]

PC Power supplies(PSU) can work with series Solar panels if the Rectifier Diodes are removed and bridged over.
You need about 150-170 volts DC(from the panels) so that the PSU can work with the selector at 120V setting.
PSU's output most of the power on their 12V Rail.
VOLTAGE ABOVE 100 VOLTS DC IS DEADLY!! BE CAREFUL!!!!

[grantmidd]

Can any one please help me I cannot finger out if what I have planned will work.
I have a 5kwh off grid inverter Growatt 500es, the reason I picked this model it no batteries are required and any power my solar will not supply it will be toped up from the grid.
I want to put the 5-6 panels on my garage roof facing south south west with a 30° tilt.
And 5-6 panels 90° against my west west south wall.
The inverter specs are as follows
5Kwh inverter
450v PV input max
22a PV input max
Where I live on an island in the UK it is almost impossible to get low ah panels 10 or bellow, but very easy to get high Watt panels like 550w+
Unfortunately they are all around 48.72v VOC x 14a STC.
I want to connect them in parallel in pairs of 5-6. In my head this should work as I should never hit the 22a current but I’m just not sure.
Can an expert please explain why this would and wouldn’t work.

Edit
My South facing flat roof is 3m x8m this will only fit 7 450-550w panels on it max laying down and 6 with a 30 degree angle.
my west facing wall will only 7 of the same panels flat against it.

The panels I'm looking at are bellow as there are easy to get in my area atm.
Thanks

[munchsales]

Hello sir can you give me computation and diagram for 2154kW and 11620 Wh/day Off grid system...Thank You

[ghz]

EG4 has a video demonstrating their 3000EHV-48 inverter running from just solar and no battery.
Not sure how automatic the recovery from a temporary loss of sun is but it does work.
It's a little more $ but the mppt can handle 450 volts input and 5000 watts.

[stephenhickman]

Great content. I have a request if you're open to it. I've been thinking about the shunt monitors since that other video. Would you be willing to produce a comparison video between hall effect sensors and shunt sensors? I use the hall sensor. However, I am curious to see if shunts are more accurate. Thank you either way brother. Love the channel. Stay blessed

[Elezampela]

Hello, I have a 5kw inverter with 4 x12v 230aH tubular batteries. How many solar panels do I need?

[cypotony]

Please how can I order the 650$ hybrid off grid inverter you mentioned above

[mmss]

The way solar panels are being installed from house to house in pakistan there would be no electricity crises in pakistan in the near future. We would be able to export electricity to our neighbouring countries as well. Well done keep it up.
@tahiranwar7812

[EmmanuelDimgba-fc]

Great illustration!
Kindly clarify me, sir.
If
Watt = Volt x amp.
For a Solar pv, does it mean
Pmax = Vmp x lmp ?
Because I have 190W with: lmp 10.11a & Vmp 18.8v.
Would I be correct if I say
Watt = Volt x Amp,
Pmax = Vmp x Imp, and my pv
190w = 18.8V x 10.11A ?

[tonyconoley]

I understand enough about electrics to be dangerous, I just cannot get my head around this subject, just cannot understand the basics, end of.

[samahmedia]

Great work. Why don't you give these proposals to companies so that it makes it useful for us. (means customers). All the blessings go to you

[johnheisler]

Ur diesel generater aint no when the fuel runs out.solar or wind is the way to g0

[smeducare]

can I use boost converter to charge 24v battery with 12v solar panel( open circuit voltage 24.50v)? Is it will be efficient or use a buck converter to charge a 12v battery?

[grantcurrin]

Some good ideas, thanks !!!
My solar panels 445W x10 average 70% efficiency when pulling power on a Sunny day.

[brushbum]

Good Morning ! THANK YOU. TAKE CARE..

[carlj.pinckney]

How can one install solar panels without bateries directly to the electric box to use solar while the sun is shining to save on electric cost