Here is my example for a starter system you can pick up to learn more about solar installations:
- 2 to 4 [Renogy] 100-watt 12-volt solar panels
- DC Circuit Breaker, 2 Pole 16 Amp Isolator ($16)
- A [Y&H] 1000W DC30-45V Grid Tie Inverter (less than $150)
- A MC4 Solar Crimping Tool with connectors ($25)
- A Ferrule Crimping Tool Kit ($30)
- Some MC4 Y Branch Parallel Adapter ($15)
- Some appropriate sized wire.
- Digital Clamp Multimeter
- Optionally A Electricity Usage Monitor such as a [Kill-O-Watt]
- Optionally a [Bayite] shunt/power meter to monitor your panels
- Optional Rail Power Distribution Enclosure ($30)
This isn't the most efficient system but it will give you enough of a challenge to start with, some tools you can use moving forward, allow you to begin generating power, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. I put the usage meters as optional but really you should have something that allows you to monitor usage in real time.
Run two of the solar panels in series (24 volts) and the two series in parallel (around 10 amps). From here you can add more panels, upgrade the inverter, experiment with mounting systems and angles, and finally (after an inverter upgrade) add batteries.
Here are some useful links for calculating wire runs...
-http://assets.bluesea.com/files/resources/newsletter/images/DC_wire_selection_chartlg.jpg -https://www.southwire.com/calculator-vdrop--