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If you are considering purchasing a complete solar system you are
probably asking, "Where do I start?
This can be a VERY complicated, confusing and bewildering process.
You want to know that what ever you purchase, it's going to work
properly...that it is properly engineered.
We're here to help.
We can make this a lot easier than you might think. With our
pre-engineered complete systems all you have to do is determine the size of
the arrays you want to start with and where you want to put them.
Match your house system with it and you're done!
Start with figuring out how big or small your solar array you want.
You can do it the tough and
complicated way?
Or Easy Way?...
It's up to you!!
There's the complicated, but precise,
way... and there's the estimated, easy, way. We provide you with both ways, you
choose.
So you are ready to configure it yourself!?
Here's the complicated, precise, way:
How much energy do you need? Find the answer on one or all of these
sites.
(These links will take you away from this site!
Please remember to come back!)
How Much Energy Does My Stuff Use?
How to Calculate Your Home's Electrical Usage
Solar Power Uses
Your guide to understanding how Solar Power can be used
OR
Here's the easier way.
Go to the "Insolation
Map"
Find your location and take note of your "Solar Hour Day"
Find the kWhs from your
monthly utility bill divide this by 30 (days in month on average) and divide this again by the "Solar Hour Day" you got from the Insolation Map.
(For instance, if your monthly usage was 720 kWh and you lived in the 5
solar hour day area; your solar array would be 720 / 30 / 5 = 4.86 kilowatt array.
If you bought a 4.9kW solar array you would just about "Zero" your utility
bill (for that month) if you do nothing to change your energy consumption habits!
OR
You could just get what you can afford knowing that the
average is about 3Kw for the average household.
You could start by buying products that will allow you to
add to your system as you grow.
So, that's it. You are on your way.
Now you know the size of your array. That's a
tremendous start.
Now you need to pick WHICH KIND of solar system you
want.
Do you want a:
"GRID-TIE",
"GRID-TIE with battery backup",
or
"OFF-GRID"?
The "GRID-TIE" system: This is the one where you
simply tie your system with your local utility company.
(No batteries or charge controllers needed, just an
inverter and grid-connection adequate to the job. And the Utility's
Permission and maybe their required assistance!!)
As the name implies, the "GRID-TIE with battery
backup" simply adds batteries to the configuration.
But it does change the
charge controller and inverter. They must be adequate to both
charge your batteries and grid-connect.
The "OFF-GRID" requires the solar array and the charger capable of charging, monitoring and protecting your battery bank.
The inverter must be capable of "inverting"
your electricity from the DC of the panels to the AC of your appliances and
tools.
Just remember that we have these systems pre-configured. Meaning,
maybe they're not EXACTLY the same size as you calculated. That's okay.
There's a lot of latitude on these calculations. Just
choose the size closest.
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