[Paladin2]

I started out with a couple of ~300W “modified” sine wave inverters (110V)that can be hooked to a couple of old car batteries or to a car and provide minimal lighting and are able to run a computer. Then I got a sine wave inverter to be able to run either the refrigerator (summer) or furnace (Winter). Still hooks up to a bank of batteries charged by a (Diesel) car.

[The Duke]

Our local prepper group just got together last week and had a world-class presentation on the use of solar energy. Some of the important things learned...

• If you want the option of running when the grid is down you're going to need batteries, and if you expect the batteries to have any life at all they had better be 'deep cycle' batteries.
• If you're in a cloudy/shady environment be sure to get the film-based solar technology. If in bright light then the crystal technology is better.
• If you insist on a "Solar inverter" then you're always guaranteed a high-quality sine-wave output - which is very important.
• Use DC directly from the panels when you can to avoid the inefficiencies associated with conversions.
• Make sure the incline of the solar panels is equal to the latitude of your location in order to get max exposure to the sun.
• A 2 killowatt home system will give you pretty good coverage, but even with a 3 killowatt system don't expect to be able to run a central heating and cooling system (it's a good idea to have one room with an in-window air conditioner).