Solar Systems: What You Need to Know (Components & Sizing)
Solar Systems: What You Need to Know (Components & Sizing)
Jan 27, 2026
Solar Energy Systems: Essential Components & How to Size Yours
A practical guide for homeowners considering solar power.
The Core Components of a Solar Power System
A solar energy system is more than just the panels you see on a roof. To generate your own electricity, several key components must work together.
The Essential Trio (All Systems)
Solar Panels
Capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverter(s)
Transform the DC electricity into the alternating current (AC) used by your home appliances.
Mounting System
Provides a secure, durable base to install your panels on the roof or ground.
Energy Storage: Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid
You also need a way to manage the energy you produce.
For Grid-Tied Systems
The utility grid acts as your "battery." You feed excess power back to the grid (often for credit) and draw from it when needed, requiring no additional home storage.
Key Advantage: No battery investment required
For Off-Grid Systems
You must store your own power, which requires two additional components:
Battery Bank: Stores solar energy for use at night or on cloudy days
Charge Controller: Protects your batteries by regulating the voltage and current from the panels during charging
Balance of System (BOS): These major components are connected and protected by a balance of system (BOS) parts: wiring, fuses, and circuit breakers. Our DIY kits include all necessary components and tools for a complete installation.
How to Determine What Size Solar System You Need
Choosing the right system capacity is crucial for performance and value. Your system size is determined by your electricity consumption, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You can find your average monthly or annual usage on your utility bill.
For Grid-Tied Systems (Simpler Sizing)
The fastest way to get an accurate estimate is to use our Solar Calculator. Simply enter your location and electricity consumption, and we will calculate a target system size and recommend compatible kits for your needs.
Off-grid sizing requires a more detailed analysis:
1
Calculate Daily Energy Usage
List all appliances, their wattage, and daily usage hours to determine your total daily energy demand (in kWh).
2
Use Our Off-Grid Calculator
Input your daily kWh usage, location, and desired days of battery autonomy. The calculator will determine the required solar panel capacity, battery bank size, and inverter rating.
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