Did you know that there are 10 various parts that are required to make a complete solar powered system for your home? Depending on what type of system you want to implement will depend on whether you use some or all of them.

Don't feel to intimidate by the options or complexity of the different systems it is really very simple. For example, if your home gets electricity from the national grid, it doesn't mean you have to hook your system up to it if you don't want to.

Solar Cells

The PV solar panels are positioned so they get maximum sunlight throughout the day, and they turn sunlight into solar electric power. It converts it into DC electricity. Go crazy and build loads of solar panels because you can connect an unlimited amount together.

They are connected in series so the flow of electricity is from to the next one in line. With this design, it is very easy to add more panels as and when you build them.

DC (Direct Current) Disconnect

You want you solar panels connected to a Direct Current (DC) disconnect. You do not want to undertake any maintenance on your system while there is electricity flowing through it. The DC disconnect switches of the power generated by your solar panels.

Charge Controller

A charge controller is very important to have if you are using batteries to store electricity. If you have a charge controller, this will protect your batteries from becoming over charged. Over charging will reduce the life of your batteries.

Battery Bank

Read up on the different types of batteries and get familiar with them. What you need are deep cycle batteries and these are commonly used by forklift truck manufactures. Do not use car batteries.

Batteries also perform better when they are warm. Do not expose them to the elements; keep them in a garage or some sheltered building. A battery box is also a good investment, they keep your batteries at a good temperature and also protect them from accidental damage.

System Meter

A system meter is very useful for telling you how much electricity you are using and how much power is left in your batteries. Without a system meter, you are working blind.

Main Supply Direct Current (DC) Disconnect

The main DC disconnect is used to turn off the power from your battery. It is placed in-between your battery bank and your inverter. Like the solar panel disconnect, it is very handy for when you are carrying out maintenance on your system.

AC DC Inverter

Batteries and solar panels output a direct current. What we have to do is convert this DC current into an AC current. This is the job of the inverter to convert direct current to an alternating current.

Petrol Generator

You can get petrol and diesel powered generators. You will want one of these if you are not connected to the national grid. The electrical generator can provide a backup to your solar powered system should it be down for maintenance or if the batteries are low.

AC Breaker Panel

The AC breaker panel switches off the flow of electricity either from the grid to your home or your home to the grid. Although all houses have them, only the electric company is allowed to wire them up. You have to get the electric company to come along and wire it up for you.

Whatever you do, do not wire it up yourself. You can get into a lot of trouble, and it isn't worth the hassle. The utility company will find out in the end..

Home Kilowatt per Hour Meter

All homes which are on-grid are fitted with a kilo watt hour meter. This is how you record how much electric is consumed within your home. You can also see how much you are sending back to the grid.