One of the strongest arguments for solar energy is that it’s an investment that pays for itself. Any upfront costs are paid back in the reduction (or elimination) of energy bills, and solar customers can reasonably expect to see a return of at least 2-3 times their initial investment over the life of the system.

The difference between grid-tied and off-grid solar revolves around where you store the energy you generate.Every system needs a place to store energy so that it can be used on demand. Your panels only generate charge when the sun is out during the day, but you still need a way to turn the lights on in the evening.

1. Calculate Your kWh Usage
2. Look Up Your Peak Sun Hours
3. Calculate the Size of Your Solar System

No matter what kind of solar system you’re considering, this much is true: every solar array works best when it’s able to get as much sunlight as possible.If you live in the United States, you’re north of the equator, so the sun leans south as the Earth orbits. Facing your array true south will capture the most daylight and produce the best results. However, if you live south of the equator in South America, it would be more efficient to face your system true north.