
What You Need
THE COMPONENTS OF A SMALL
SCALE SOLAR SYSTEM
Solar panels are the main component. For small-
scale systems, 12V or 24V is what you want,
especially to start with. You can also find small
panels with voltages below 12V. Which panels to
buy? You have a choice between monocrystalline
and polycrystalline types; mono are more
powerful and expensive. There is little difference
between panel brands; almost all are made in
China, no matter where you buy them. My advice
is to compare prices and buy one that is not
unusually cheap or expensive.
The other components depend on the type of
installation you want to build. A solar installation