How to choose a solar system that’s right for you

Solar power system is one of renewable energy system that uses PV modules to convert sunlight into electricity.  Solar PV system has  components that should be selected according to your system type, site location and applications. The major components for solar PV system are solar charge controller, inverter, battery bank, auxiliary energy sources and loads (appliances).
 

Solar PV system parts; 

  •   PV module – converts sunlight into DC electricity.

  •   Solar charge controller – regulates the voltage and current coming from the PV panels going to battery and prevents battery overcharging and prolongs the battery life.

  •   Inverter – converts DC output of PV panels or wind turbine into a clean AC current for AC appliances or fed back into grid line.

  •   Battery – stores energy for supplying to electrical appliances when there is a demand.

  •   Load – is electrical appliances that connected to solar PV system such as lights, radio, TV, etc. 

  •   Auxiliary energy sources - is diesel generator or other renewable energy sources.
 
Assess  energy usage 

The first step to designing your renewable energy system is identifiying your power usage. To design a system that works for you, knowing your  energy usage is critical. If you want to save money on your new system, think about ways to reduce your energy use.
Locating your Kilowatt Hour (kWh) Usage for twelve consecutive months. Ask your utility for  this information  or look at past utility bills. Discover the average kWh Usage by adding up the kWh for each month and divide that by 12. Note which months  use the most energy. Write this number down.  Your average kWh per month determines what the size of your solar electric system would be. 
 

Decide what kind of system needed 

Review various systems to get a better understanding of what type of system will fit your needs. Renewable Energy Systems come in many shapes and sizes. What’s the main reason for adding solar: saving money  OR being independent of the utility?

-Grid-tie systems lower  your electrical bill, but need a connection to the utility company.

-Off-grid systems allow you to live and work where utility power is either unavailable or too expensive to bring in. This option offers independence, you save money.

-Grid-tie systems with battery backup allow both of the above, but are more expensive to begin with. 

Once you know your system type, your next step is to choose what size your system needs to be. If you plan on living Off-Grid, you need to know how much power your appliances draw.  If you’re staying connected to the grid, you’ll want to have the average Kilowatt Hours (kWh). 

Move into the future with solar with the help of HahaSmart., Try our price checker tool and see how affordable solar really is. We can also help find qualified solar installers who can help save you money on the cost of going solar. Don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles, about going solar.