| 1) Research the subject - Before you start | | | | specs etc will be sufficient. |
| constructing the solar array for your home, you | | | | 3) Take a trip to your county building department |
| should begin by understanding the science behind a | | | | - It's time to bring your home solar design plan to |
| residential solar system. Start by understanding | | | | the local authority. Your goal is to find out what |
| how Photovoltaic (PV) cells generate electricity | | | | are the district policies in regards to residential |
| from sun light. | | | | solar system. |
| Next, learn the different components in a solar | | | | Does your design meet their building code? What |
| power system. Understand the importance of the | | | | kind of changes do you have to make. |
| different parts and components such as solar | | | | The people at the government department are |
| module, charge controller, DC disconnect, volt | | | | bureaucrats. They may give some negative |
| meter, amp meter, battery bank, power inverter | | | | feedback on your designs. Be patient and be |
| etc. | | | | friendly. You do not want to make any enemies |
| 2) Make the design drawings - Have the end in | | | | there. |
| mind. Know how much power the system can | | | | 4) Start making calls - Pick up the phone and |
| produce. How much is your household power | | | | start making calls to solar contractors or |
| requirement? Is the energy from the solar | | | | professionals. Ask them to send you a quotation. |
| system sufficient to support your needs? | | | | Get at least 3 quotations for comparison. Chat |
| To answer these questions, you should do a | | | | with the experts and get their feedback. |
| comprehensive energy audit on your home. Next, | | | | Go to the hardware store and talk to the people |
| drawing out the solar system schematic and | | | | there and get their feedback on the solar |
| design specification. Bring out your calculation and | | | | components in their inventory. You want to know |
| start crunching numbers. | | | | what's available in the market and how you can |
| You don't need a detailed technical blueprint. A | | | | get your home solar power system built within |
| rough sketch with diagrams, wiring, components | | | | your budget. |