Beginner Solar Power. Yes you can. 

If you are considering your first adventure in solar power, getting started might be a lot easier than you think. Because a small system has only a few components. And you don't need a specialist to understand what they do - or to put them together.  For comparison, it's probably easier than a shelving unit from IKEA.  

 

1.    Solar Panels:
   • You've seen these. They convert sunlight into electricity. Common types include monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels.
2. Inverter:
   • Converts the direct current (DC) from your batteries to alternating current (AC), which is used by most home appliances.
3. Mounting System:
   • Hardware to secure solar panels to the roof or ground. Panels are positioned at an optimal angle for sunlight exposure.
4. Battery Storage:
   • Stores excess energy generated during the day for use at night, or during cloudy days. Common types include lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
5. Charge Controller:
   • Regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to prevent overcharging the batteries.
6. Wiring and Electrical Components:
   • Includes cables, connectors, to connect all components of the system.
7. Monitoring System (optional):

   • Allows users to track energy production and consumption, often through a smartphone app or web interface. ( You probably don't need the monitoring system if you are starting small.) 

      

And that's all folks!  

 

We could stop right there. If you are new to solar power - that's the package and what each component does. That covers the whole thing conceptually - it's all you need to know for a basic understanding of a small solar power system.  

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On the other hand, if you are getting close to purchasing and installing, here are a few more notes you will want to digest: 

Minimal Maintenance will be needed:

• Panel Cleaning:  1. When necessary, cleaning should be done with a soft soap and soft brush or cloth, and in the morning or evening when the panels are cool. Don't be afraid of doing that - these things are not as fragile as they look. 2. Our favorite real-science web site physics . org  disclosed an extensive testing of clean vs not-so-clean panels at hundreds of small solar power installations. Conducted by engineers and scientists - it found that yes of course, a lot of bird droppings or heavy dust should be cleaned off right away - but a little light dust makes only a tiny difference in output. We looked into that closely and we can test on our own system too - and it certainly seems that cleaning once a year might be enough where you are.  Your can probably judge that accurately enough just by having a look once in a while.  
• Battery Maintenance: Follow the maintenance requirements specific to your battery type.
• Wiring Check: Periodically inspect wires and connections.

System sizing:

How about a brief first-timer's real world story here, to help with your comparison concepts? From one of us here at offgridcentral.org:

Our first system was manufactured well over two decades ago. It only included:

One panel. A controller. Two batteries. One inverter. 

That is a very small system, but it was enough for our use at first. We had 12v power for lights in the evenings and limited normal house power for other uses. The vacuum cleaner for instance. We had a modem for satellite internet, and a wifi unit. So we could be in touch with the world. We could charge our laptops and stream movies in the evenings. 

We saved as much energy as possible. For example, when not in use (for overnight) we would shut off the inverter, modem, and wifi. 

We have expanded our system since then, and draw more power than we used to. But that is always optional. One step at a time works - as you demand more and more power, you can grow your power system.  

So the size of your solar power system will depend on your energy demands. 

If You Must Go Big

There are off grid properties that have huge (and very expensive) systems. 

Conceptually, those are not very different from what we have described. But they do become very complex if you hope to calculate just how much power you will have available in storage, (how many panels and batteries and which types)  how much energy you will use, and how quickly you can recharge. 
If you must go big from the start, we suggest you consult with a professional who is authentically an expert and preferably not one who might also sell you a system. Or maybe two professionals - like a doctor's second opinion. 

 

Wrapping This Up

Just one more conceptual note and a video:

Power Options: Remember that the simple system described above provides two forms of power:

• AC Power: from your inverter - household use, laptops small appliances etc

• 12V DC Power: Drawn directly from the batteries for devices like LED lights and 12V fridges. ( not using your inverter.) 

   

Finally, here is an very extremely tiny system, explained and then connected in this gentleman's easy going and entertaining video: