Learn
Before you buy a single panel, understand what you’re building and why. This section walks you through the complete design process — from figuring out what you actually need, to sizing every component, to living with the finished system.
When you’re ready to build a specific system, the build guides give you shopping lists, wiring, and step-by-step instructions. This is where you learn how to think about it.
Start Here
Getting Started
Solar is a project, not a purchase. Before you open a browser tab to shop for panels, understand the design sequence that makes the difference between a system that works and one that disappoints.
Plan Your System
Define Your Goals
What are you actually trying to accomplish? Bill reduction, backup power, workshop independence, or all three? The answer shapes every decision that follows.
Know Your Numbers
Measure what you actually use, learn your local sun conditions, and do the napkin math that turns goals into a rough system size.
Design Your System
Panels
How to choose panel wattage, figure out how many you need, and deal with mounting and shade.
Inverters
The brain of your system. Sizing for continuous load, surge capacity, MPPT specs, and the 120V vs. 240V decision.
String Design
How panels wire together, reading a datasheet, and the cold weather / hot weather rules that keep your system safe.
Batteries
Sizing battery capacity for overnight use, why LiFePO4 is the standard, and making sure your battery talks to your inverter.
Wiring & Safety
Wire gauge, voltage drop, overcurrent protection, transfer switches, and the balance-of-system components that hold it all together.
See It In Action
Worked Examples
Two complete system designs from the same starting point — one consumer path, one prosumer path — with real math and real costs. This is where the theory becomes a shopping list.
Buy & Build
Sourcing Equipment
Where to buy, new vs. refurbished, shipping costs, and what to spend on vs. what to save on.
Building Your System
Installation order, common mistakes, and the step-by-step process from mounted panels to working power.
Live With It
Living With Solar
The obsessive first week, seasonal reality, maintenance (almost none), and when to expand vs. when to optimize.
Already know what you need?
If you’ve done the learning and you’re ready to act:
- System 1: 200W Safe Harbor — Build it this weekend. No permits, no inspections.
- System 2: Permitted Standalone — The full 3.2kW system with permits and inspection.
- Rate Calculator — Find out what your power actually costs, down to the penny.
- Energy Lab — Build a virtual version of your house and see where the money goes.