Where To Start

[tommiefromva]

I want to build my own Solar Power System. I live in Southwest Virginia. What reading material will get me started.

[ghurd]

Solar is pretty simple.

Panels charge a battery.  

The controller keeps the panels from overcharging the battery.

The battery is used for 12V (or 24V or 48V loads), or it supplies power to an inverter.  An inverter supplies AC power (like from the wall outlet) to AC loads.

The hardest part is sizing the entire setup to your needs.

Too much of one thing and not enough of another makes a waste of money.

Some good reading here...

http://www.solar-electric.com/solar_basics/solar_electric_basics.htm

G-

[bigdan]

Hello, I am in southwest Va. myself. Where are you located? This site has a world of information. Solar is expensive compared to wind. Good Luck and have fun,Bigdan