Solar panels
Turn sunlight into DC electricity.
What to plan for
Estimated from energy use and available roof area.
Confirm model dimensions, output, roof layout, shade and warranty.
Meet your
solar setup.
A visual guide for planning and comparing equipment. These illustrations show component types, not products for sale.
Inverter
Converts electricity for the home and manages the chosen system.
What to plan for
One compatible system, sized after load and phase checks.
Confirm PV inputs, battery compatibility, surge output and backup configuration.
Battery storage
Stores energy for selected backup loads.
What to plan for
A nominal capacity class based on selected loads and hours.
Confirm usable energy, continuous output, manufacturer limits and warranty.
Mounting system
Secures the panels to a suitable roof or structure.
What to plan for
Site-defined rails, clamps, attachments and weatherproofing.
Confirm roof condition, structure, corrosion resistance, access and weather loading.
Cables & connectors
Connect the approved components safely.
What to plan for
Cable length, type and connectors require the actual installation layout.
A qualified designer must choose conductor sizes, ratings, routing and compatible connectors.
Protection & isolation
Provides the protection and isolation specified for the installation.
What to plan for
Site-defined protective devices, earthing and enclosures.
Device ratings and protective coordination require a qualified electrical design.
Utility meter
Measures grid energy; approved net metering may need a bidirectional meter.
What to plan for
Depends on the utility and approved grid arrangement.
Confirm interconnection eligibility, meter requirements, fees and export terms with the actual utility.
DC in. AC for your home.
One common hybrid arrangement, explained. Actual connections depend on your equipment.
Solar panelsDC electricityPV input · DC
Hybrid inverterConverts & manages powerBackup output · AC
Selected home circuitsWithin the system’s limits
Battery connection · DC Charge & discharge
Grid connection · AC Import; export only if approved
The small parts matter, too.
Which cables and protection devices?
Plan for the PV, battery, AC and communication connections your chosen system requires, plus compatible connectors, terminations, conduit and enclosures. Breakers or fuses, isolators, surge protection and earthing must be selected as part of the electrical design. AC and DC ratings are different; the correct devices depend on the circuit.
How long should the cables be?
There is no universal cable length. Record the proposed route between the array, inverter, battery and distribution board, and say whether each measurement is one-way or the full circuit. A designer checks cable size, current, voltage drop, routing and the equipment manual together before a purchase list is final.
What conditions change the setup?
Roof condition, shade, heat, rain exposure, cable installation method, equipment ventilation and distance between components all matter. Your selected panel, inverter and battery models also need compatibility checks. Final layout, protection and commissioning belong in a site-specific design reviewed by a qualified electrical professional.
Learn more: DC cables & protection · AC wiring principles. Always use the manuals for your actual equipment.
Put the parts
into your plan.
Create my solar setup DIY planning does not replace a safe, site-specific design.