- any “phantom loads” (i.e., electricity leaks, or standby mode electronics).
- Design the system to run electric appliances at low voltages, rather than by using inverters for high voltage mains power.
- Use 12V appliances, which are plentiful due to ample supply for the camping and boating communities. They make a stand-alone solar system or a grid tie/fallback solar system more efficient than a connection to the mains.
- It pays to run through a detailed power analysis for any kind of solar electric system you plan to implement.
- Take into consideration battery and inverter inefficiencies.
- Consider the time of year when the solar electric system is to be used.
- When this stage is completed, you will have a better understanding of how to move your project forward to success.