Electrical code requires two types of grounding conductors: the Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC), which is used ...
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Design a Renewable Energy System
This 6-part video series covers the basics of designing a DIY off-grid solar power system and sizing its components.
Helps you size the battery bank, Watts of solar power, and the solar charge controller you'll need for an off-grid solar electric system.
A helpful tool for estimating your electricity usage when you don't have old utility bills handy - and an essential tool for planning a system that will meet your electricity needs.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
Learn how to design and choose components for a grid-tie solar system, including solar panels, inverter, racking, and overcurrent protection.
Our Grid-Tie System Calculator helps you size a grid-connected solar panel system.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
If the battery bank is oversized, you risk not being able to keep it fully charged; if the battery bank is sized too small, you won't be able to run your intended loads for as long as you'd planned.
If you’ve added new appliances, purchased an EV, or have more people living in the house now than when you first designed your system, your batteries may not be able to keep up with your new energy demands.
Basic schematics with examples of series and parallel connections for batteries.
Two-part video series on battery charging terminology, concepts, and techniques.
Learn to calculate NEC-compliant wire sizes for an off-grid or grid-tied solar PV system, including de-rating calculations for temperature, conduit fill, distance off the roof, and more.
How-to video on wiring a basic off grid solar electric system - follow along with the included schematic.
Handy tool for sizing wires and cables for 12-volt, 24-volt, and 48-volt systems.
Determine the maximum amount of electrical current (amps) that can safely flow through different wire gauges.
Determine what size inverter-to-battery cables and DC breaker (or fuse) you should use with an off-grid inverter to install and operate it safely.
How do you size a PWM solar charge controller? With a little math, it's pretty easy!
Learn how to size an MPPT solar charge controller for your off-grid solar electric system and how to take advantage of some of this type of charge controller's benefits.
Quickly find the the typical power rating (in Watts) of many common household appliances. Use this information to help estimate how large your alternative energy system needs to be.
Unlock the mysteries behind the jargon and acronyms of voltage!
Two parallel strings of two modules in series.
Learn about the WEEB strategy for grounding PV equipment.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across the United States.
Solar insolation data for many large U.S. cities.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
Maps of insolation and solar PV potential across South America.
Worldwide maps of insolation and solar PV potential.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
The design considerations you should take into account when deploying the accessories needed in a solar water pumping system.
Fill out this form with as much information as you can, and we'll get back to you with a system design!
Use this chart to size the correct diameter pipe for your solar water pumping system.
A few key tips on how to locate a wind turbine for your location to optimize the power it will generate.
Helpful wind speed resources for assessing the viability of a small wind system for your location in the United States.
Large scale overview of wind power resources for all of Mexico.
Figure out which renewable energy system is right for you and find links to contact us for any kind of system design and quote you need.
Definitions of many of the frequently used terms within renewable energy.
Watch the recorded webinar sessions given by OutBack, SimpliPhi, Sol-Ark, MidNite Solar, SMA, Morningstar, KiloVault, Schneider, and more during our 2022 Virtual Solar Conference.
Watch the recorded webinar sessions given by Sol-Ark, OutBack Power, Morningstar, KiloVault, Schneider, MT Solar, S-5!, and Tamarack Solar during our 2021 Virtual Solar Conference.