Low cost independent or remote power supply using a UPS
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can be used to build an independent power supply system. The UPS would supply the most expensive component of the system – the sine wave inverter- free of charge, these are usually about $1.20 per watt of rated output. So a 1500 Watt continuous rated sine wave inverter would typically cost around $2000. UPS systems are often thrown away when their batteries go flat and yet are in perfect working order otherwise.
The black bit is a usual PV power system, the red bit is where you would normally have the inverter. The UPS has a sine wave inverter in it. These are often thrown away with once the small battery bank in them fails – the inverter is usually in good order and includes a battery charger.
UPS system – the hardware
Solar panels – 480 Watt polycrystalline – 48 Volt DC nominal.
Voltage regulator PL20 From panels to battery; http://www.plasmatronics.com.au/ Battery bank replacing internal batteries – lead acid 48 Volts DC, 130 Amp.hour second hand. UPS, 2.4 kWatt peak, 1.5 kWatt continuous rating 48 Volt DC battery bank.