| One of the biggest household expenses is the | | | | 4) Power inverter. |
| electricity bills. The amount you pay for power is | | | | The function of the solar panel is to convert the |
| next to the bank home mortgage. Many home | | | | sun energy into electricity. When shopping for a |
| owners are looking into using solar energy to | | | | solar panel, look for a unit which is capable of |
| supplement their home energy needs. | | | | generating at least 12 volts of Direct Current |
| A complete system installed by a professional | | | | (DC). |
| contractor can be quite expensive. Be prepared | | | | The power from the solar panel will be directed |
| to invest upwards of $30,000 for a home solar | | | | into the charge controller. The function of the |
| system that may take up to 20 years to recoup. | | | | charge controller is to regulate the battery |
| Is there a cheaper option? | | | | charging process. When the battery is fully |
| As a matter of fact, you can build your own | | | | charged, it will dump excess power into a heat |
| residential solar power system with a budget of | | | | element, hence protecting the battery. |
| about $1500. With that kind of budget, you will be | | | | The type of battery suitable for a home solar |
| able to setup a small solar system which is | | | | power system is the deep cycle kind. Deep cycle |
| capable of powering most of the electrical | | | | battery is more robust and can handle a deeper |
| appliances and all of the lighting fixtures. | | | | level of power discharge without destroying itself. |
| Where do you start? | | | | How many batteries do you need? |
| Begin by figuring out how many electrical | | | | It is hard to determine the exact figure because |
| equipment you want to be powered by the solar | | | | you can't really know how much sun coverage |
| system. Items such as television, computer, | | | | you will get on a daily basis. A good number to |
| stereo, hair dryer etc are suitable. Leave out | | | | begin with for a small home solar system is 4 |
| energy hungry appliances such as the refrigerator, | | | | units. |
| micro wave oven, vacuum cleaner etc. These will | | | | Finally, it is the power inverter. Since the battery |
| create too much strain on the system. | | | | can only hold Direct Current (DC), we have to |
| The next step is to calculate the total power | | | | change it into Alternative Current (AC). Most of |
| (wattage) required. Look at the back of the | | | | our household appliances run on AC. |
| equipment and there should be an average power | | | | Remember the total power wattage you |
| usage of the device. Look at the power | | | | calculated earlier? Make sure the power inverter |
| consumption of the lighting fixtures also. Add up all | | | | has an output above that figure. For example, if |
| the figures and that will be your energy needs | | | | your total power need is 500 watt, choose a |
| base line. | | | | power inverter which is capable of producing at |
| The next step is to begin shopping for the solar | | | | least 1000 watt. |
| parts and component. The following are the key | | | | At the end of the day, all the components will |
| components you will need: | | | | cost you around $1500. The total cost can be |
| 1) Solar panel. | | | | lowered if you were to spend the time looking for |
| 2) Charge controller. | | | | bargains. |
| 3) Battery bank. | | | | |