Summary Solar power is abundant in Northern Arizona. Just catch it, store it, and conserve it. The Four Hills region has the best solar exposure of the lower forty-eight states. With a sufficient battery bank and a conservative life-style, the sun can provide up to 80% of your annual electricity needs.
Schematic
Requirements The designer designed the solar system to:
1. meet all county permitting requirements.
2. run all my appliances simultaneously during daylight.
3. store enough electricity to allow 12 hours of careful appliance use.
4. grow into. The battery box and panel racks have spare space.
5. be fully automated. The generator starts when power gets low.
6. be protected from power surges caused by lightening.
7. be protected from the elements. A utility shed encloses the electronics.
Remarks
1. To save money I dug all the trenches, and assisted the installer.
2. I adjust the array's tilt three times each year to maximize collection.
3. Every three months I add distilled water to the batteries and clean all leads.
4. On cloudy days I am selective when using electrical appliances.
5. Panels and electronics share a common ground to discharge lightening surges.
6. Propane is delivered by vendor and stored in a 500 gallon tank per county codes.
7. The battery box is vented from the top to safely remove flammable hydrogen.
8. The utility shed is fire-proofed with 1/2 inch drywall.