Solar Power Basics

Solar power basics aren't rocket science. All you need for a solar-electric power system is:

Solar Panel

Solar Regulator

Storage Battery

At this stage, you will have a basic solar power system that produces 12 volts DC power. You can take this electricity supply from the battery at any time to run low-voltage direct-current (DC) devices such as a 12 volt lights, a car stereo, some small portable TV sets or a CB radio or a low-powered ham transceiver (2-way radio).

But running mains voltage appliances takes more power and the higher household AC voltages (alternating current), normally 110 volts in the US and Japan, or 220-230 volts in Australia/NZ, the UK and Europe. So for that you need an Inverter to take your 12 volts DC and boost it up to 110v or 230v AC for your household mains appliances.

These mains-powered electrical appliances use more power than a small solar power system can handle. It will work to run an electric drill for an hour or two or do a load in a small twin-tub washing machine, but that's about it. A basic 12v solar power system is fine as an emergency lighting system, especially if you fit L.E.D. lights in your home. They use drain less power from the battery than old-fashioned incandescent lamps, the kind with a glowing tungsten filament.

To use more juice (electric current) than this solar power basic system supplies, you will need to upgrade to a fairly heavyweight solar system... one that's got an array of solar panels, not just one or two. Then you will have to have a large capacity deep-cycle storage battery (or bank of batteries) to collect and store that electric power, and then you'll need a high-amperage solar regulator (to make sure the batteries don't get over-charged or completely discharged.)

Finally, you will require a DC to AC Inverter that will take the stored 12 volt DC battery power and change it to the 110/230 AC mains power that your normal household appliances rely upon.

Be sure to buy an inverter with the right voltage for your country, or you will damage your equipment and possibly start a fire as well.