To build a complete solar electric generating system for your house, you will need to source ten generic parts. However, it doesn't necessarily follow that you will have all the items built into your system. You can start off simple and add to it as your requirements change.

Just to emphasize that point. 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. They produce DC electric power in contrast to AC. It doesn't matter how many solar cells or solar panels you connect together. Really, you want to connect as many as possible. Follow this link find out more about how to build a solar panel.

They are connected in series so the flow of electricity is from to the next one in line. That is why you can have as many panels as you like and the more you have the electricity you generate.

DC (Direct Current) Disconnect

As the electricity flows from your panels, the first component it hits is the DC disconnect. It is important if you want to do some maintenance on your system as it switches on and off the flow of electricity to your solar powered system.

Battery Charge Controller

If you have a battery backup or a battery bank then a charge controller is a must have piece of equipment. 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

Be careful about what type of batteries you use to store electricity. The type you need is deep cycle. These batteries are often used in forklift vehicles. Do not use car batteries.

To get the best out of your batteries and to extend their working life, keep them at an ambient temperature. Do not put them outside, they need to be protected from the weather and covered. Furthermore, consider investing in a battery box which will help keep them at the optimum temperature.

System Metering

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. Again it is very handy if you want to do any systems maintenance.

Alternating Current (AC) Direct Current (DC) Inverter

Solar panels and batteries produce a DC current. The problem is, many if not all your electrical gadgets in the home use an alternating current. This is the job of the inverter to convert direct current to an alternating current.

Diesel Generator

There are various types of electric generators to choose from. If your home is off-grid then it is definitely worth considering adding one of these to your system. A backup generator does not only secure your energy supply should something go wrong, it can also recharge your batteries during cloudy days or at night.

Alternating Current 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. Which means, when you are ready, arrange for them to connect your solar energy system to the grid.

It makes sense really, if you get this bit wrong it can be very costly, and you don't want to end up with the blame for anything.

Electric Meter

As with the breaker panel, you will also have a KWH meter. This what the electricity company uses to record how much electricity you have used.

Video on Different Aspects Of Building Your Own Solar Panel

Learning to build a solar panel is the first step. The second step is to design a system that will work in your home. Check out build a solar panel and get full instructions on how to put it all together.