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> Your Renewable Energy (RE) System

Your RE system may include:

1. Solar panels/wind turbine/hydroturbine- Depending on your site, one or a combination of all.
2. Generator backup
3. Batteries
4. Inverter
5. Other components including: wiring, metering, voltage regulator, solar mount, and/or wind turbine tower, etc.

A realistic determination of your electricity needs is the first step to sizing your system and is very important for customer satisfaction.

1. Identify the power requirements (nameplate wattage) of all appliances and lighting that you will use.
2. Determine approximately how many hours a day each appliance will operate.
3. Consider if you will want to add appliances in the future, making it necessary to upgrade your system.

Other considerations:

1. Decide how much money you can spend on your system. Be sure to include current federal tax credits and state incentives.
2. Are you willing and able to maintain a maintenance intensive system? Solar requires less maintenance than wind and hydro systems.
3. Do you want to connect your system to the electric grid? Grid tie can eliminate much of the complexity and cost of a system.

For more information on all aspects of renewable energy, visit the Home Power Magazine