ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Balance of system

Balance of System (BOS) refers to all the equipment and components that are required apart from solar panels and batteries to develop a solar power system. It's like building a house, where it is essential to have pillars, walls, roof, and foundation apart from doors and windows. Similarly, the balance of the system comprises all the other components like inverters, charge controllers, wires, fuses, breakers, mounting structure, etc., that are required to install a solar power system.

Think of the solar power system as a jigsaw puzzle. The panels are a significant piece of the puzzle, but they can't function alone without their accessories. Just like how you need all the pieces to complete the puzzle, you need all the components of the BOS to generate electricity from solar energy.

The different equipment required for the solar power system depends on the location, size of the panels, and the type of system. For instance, where it is sunny all the time, and the solar panels are extensive, then you need an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) the panels produce to the alternating current (AC) that the appliances use. Similarly, the charge controllers prevent the batteries from overcharging and ensure that they are charged optimally.

In summary, the Balance of System (BOS) is all the equipment and components required in addition to solar panels and batteries to build a solar power system. It is like putting together a puzzle, where each piece is essential to provide an efficient and reliable source of clean energy from sunlight.
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