Balance of system
Encyclopedia
The balance of system or BOS encompasses all components of a photovoltaic system
other than the photovoltaic panels
. This includes wiring, switches, support racks, an inverter
, and batteries
in the case of off-grid systems. In the case of free-standing systems, land is sometimes included as part of the BOS.
Photovoltaic system
A photovoltaic system is a system which uses one or more solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. It consists of multiple components, including the photovoltaic modules, mechanical and electrical connections and mountings and means of regulating and/or modifying the electrical...
other than the photovoltaic panels
Photovoltaic module
A solar panel is a packaged, connected assembly of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells...
. This includes wiring, switches, support racks, an inverter
Inverter (electrical)
An inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current to alternating current ; the converted AC can be at any required voltage and frequency with the use of appropriate transformers, switching, and control circuits....
, and batteries
Battery (electricity)
An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...
in the case of off-grid systems. In the case of free-standing systems, land is sometimes included as part of the BOS.