PV Gap

Jessie Said:

what is the proper startup and maintenance of an agm battery when using a solar power system?

We Answered:

AGM battery - sounds like you're serious. If you can't get an answer here, the NAWS forum has a bunch of people who know batteries very well. Try the "Off Grid Solar Electric Systems" area. Good luck!

Billie Said:

If you leave your solar power system on 24/7, what type of power are you generating at night?

We Answered:

lunar power of course

Christine Said:

looking at building my own solar power system?

We Answered:

In practice, it takes a lot of panels to replace the energy in batteries equivalent to what a house would draw in a day.

The vast majority of people that are connected to the grid stay connected to the grid when they get solar. They merely displace some of their power usage, instead of gonig stand-alone. Having batteries in a system means 50% more cost for the same size system, not to mention maintenance headaches.

If you want to see what we did: http://www.archive.org/details/DIY_self_…

And, a caution: http://www.nlcpr.com/Deceptions6.php

Jennie Said:

How big of a Solar Power System would I need??? Where & How do I get started?

We Answered:

If you you are looking at powering your house by solar, do as others have said and check your electricity bill.
The next most important thing to do is look at ways of seriously reducing your power usage (low energy bulbs, turning off lights and other appliances that are not needed). Those that live off grid using solar tend to be economical with power while still leading a normal life.

Solar is still an expensive way to provide your electrical power and is unlikely to be economic unless it would cost a lot to have electricity laid onto your property or your government/state gives financial help.

To try to answer your question more directly, here in southern Spain, with plenty of sunshine, a system with panels rated at 600 - 800 watts should do the job but there are many variables to consider.
The link below gives a lot of information on how it works and what is required.