How I Set Up My First Solar PV System

I have to tell you that I do have my own well.  I very much wanted to have my well on solar power so I would have water during the power outages that occur every winter.  I finally decided on a system.  I  spent a long time looking but again I found on www.greengardenchicken.com  the perfect set up for me and the techs their really helped me a lot.  They were able to practically hold my hand as I set the system up.  I bought a portable system Well Pump Complete Off Grid 5KW 240Vac 60Hz Solar System Package

It came already mounted on its own rack and at first I though I would just set them outside on the ground but instead I got a bit carried away and built a big structure for them so they would be off the ground a bit.  Totally unnecessary, but I couldn't help myself :) I made the structure out of treated wood.  After building it I would definitely not recommend using treated wood.  I thought it would be the cheaper way to go, but metal or even an outbuilding of some kind would have been a better choice because the wood warped a bit and made it a little difficult to aline everything just perfect( Im a perfectionist so things have to be perfect) If this doesn't bother you then go for it use wood. I think even a cement pad or just proper ground holds would have been fine and just set them on the ground.  Any way my mistake and no I never tore the structure down so I am just living with the imperfect structure but perfectly working system.

After putting the panels up I connected them together and wired them to the box.  A bit of electrical back ground is helpful if you are thinking of doing this yourself, but like I said the people at Greengardenchicken were really helpful.

Before I go on I would like to say that these batteries are HEAVY. 200 pounds each.  So think carefully about where and how you are going to put the batteries and also they need to be close so that you don't have to buy any more cables.  That being said I had a great idea (NOT!!!) to put the batteries in the basement.  Now Imagine carrying a 200 pound battery down a very narrow steep flight of stairs and then hoisting it back up on to a battery rack.   Let me tell you my body was feeling it for weeks afterword. 

Happily having the battery task out of the way I just connected all the cables and the inverter and fired up the system.  I started the system in the fall so not much sun days and I have never had to turn the system off to recharge.  It is doing great and I was so impressed I bought a bigger system to run the whole house.  Not only was it quiet and efficient it was and still is FREE Energy.......... AAAH......... I love that word and you will too.  Please don't hesitate to get yourself a system even a small one.  It is well worth it.