Hey everyone! I'm relatively new to the world of electricity and solar energy. I have some experience with hobbies like building Arduino-driven mechanical projects and handling a few electrical installations, but I'm struggling to grasp concepts related to solar power, such as output, batteries, amp draw, and inverter requirements.
I'm planning to power my detached office completely with solar energy, which will have a couple of computers, a ceiling fan, lights, and a mini-split AC.
I'm on the lookout for good beginner tutorials or resources that can help explain how solar systems work, how to measure energy consumption accurately, and how that relates to solar requirements and battery sizing. I really want to understand the basics so I can size my system properly.
I've watched quite a few videos and read a couple of books, but I'm having a hard time finding a solid foundational resource that doesn't just throw numbers at me but explains the "why" behind them. Any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
For video resources, I highly recommend Will Prowse on YouTube. He has great content that breaks down complicated solar concepts into digestible pieces!
You should definitely check out the DIY Solar Forum. It’s packed with info and has a lot of discussions that can help beginners like you and feature real-life projects!
Another channel to consider is Off Grid Garage Australia. They cover practical solar installations and setups with a focus on beginners, plus real-life applications!
Yeah, Will's videos are super informative! He really explains things thoroughly.