Start with following:
Firstly you need a solar panel to start. Recommended are the Mono-crystalline as they are the most advanced at the moment, they have quite a long life (15-25 years).
Mono-crystalline panels are made of little square cells about 5 x 5cm each, connected in series. Mono-crystalline panels can be found anywhere from 1 W to 280 W at the moment at 12 V or 24 V. It is very important to place the panels in a good spot where they will get the most sun on them and a safe and strong mounting is required as well.
Next you need some wire which recommended is the solar cable/wire with double insulation and UV protected, outdoor ready. Depending on how big you want the system to be, the more advanced equipment you find available and the more expensive it is, but we`re talking about a basic system to start with. For one of these systems you can just use a power gardening wire hidden from the sun, it will do the job. At this point we have the panel, firmly installed with a good positioning towards the sun and wired. That`s all what you need to produce power.
There are three ways to use the power that is getting produced by the panel:
1-use the power that is getting produced straight from the panels (during the day only)
2-store the power in a battery bank and use it when needed
3-export the power produced straight to your home grid (again during the day only)
List of components I've used with my system:
-1x 12 V, 100 W solar panel
-1x 24 V, 120 W solar panel
-4x 4.5 KA fuses
-1x C 60 (60 A) Xantrex Power charge controller (12 V or 24 V option)
-1x 300 W grid tie inverter Power Jack - China 20 V to 240 V
-1x 250 W grid tie inverter Masspower - USA 20 V to 240 V
-2x Power Meter UK
-2x 30 A fuses
-1x Bit MB Power inverter 3000 W continue and 6000 W peak 24 V to 240 V DC to AC (modified sine)
-4x 150 Ah 12 V Deep Cycle batteries, connected in series and parallel so they work as 24 V, 300 Ah
-1x DC 4 way switch
-14x battery cables
-2x pairs P.V. plug
-20m outdoor electric wire
Watch the video for this article: www.dashony.com
In my next article: How it works: Power Inverter, Power Charge Controller, Grid Tie Inverter - everything you need to know before you start building your own solar panel power system or a wind turbine system
