Each solar module is wired to the other modules in that array by sunlight tolerant solar interconnect wiring . Several arrays may be wired to a solar combiner box where they are all connected to heavier underground wires taking the power to the battery and equipment room. To prevent battery damage from overcharging, the charge control automatically cuts back or stops the charge when batteries become full. A charge control may have manual control switches and may have meters or lights to show the status of the charging process. This large power capability can be a fire hazard just like utility company power, so fuses and circuit breakers on every circuit connected to a battery are essential.
Battery size is chosen for both surge power requirements and for the amount of reserve power needed.
This component contains both acid and a great deal of stored energy, therefore requires care and knowledge to safely install. It converts DC power stored in batteries to 120 volt AC, standard household power. Short, heavy cables with a large fuse or circuit breaker carry battery power to the inverter. After conversion to AC, power from the inverter connects into the circuit breaker box of the house in place of utility lines. The house breaker box routes power to lights, appliances, and outlets of the house.