One of the more frequently asked questions about solar electric systems regards battery power. More specifically, the amount of battery power needed for a specific system and how to calculate that need. Well, as it turns out, that is a fairly easy question to answer. It all depends on your daily power usage, in watts.

You never want to drain your batteries completely. In fact, you want to stay as far from that as possible. With that in mind, you’ll want to have twice as much capacity in your battery bank as the amount of power you use each day. For example, if you use 2,000 watts of electricity each day, then you’ll need to have 4,000 watts of battery power available to you on any given day. There are several online tools to help you calculate all aspects of your solar system, including your daily energy consumption.

As for batteries, there is but one simple equation. A battery should have its voltage and amp-hour capacity (AH) labeled on it. Simply multiply those two numbers to get that battery’s watt capacity. Remember that 50% is the maximum that you want to drain the batteries, so always err on the side of more capacity. (more…)

If you’re reading this, you obviously care about the environment and, as a result,  are aware of the great solar energy content that CalFinder publishes on a daily basis.  We’re very happy to announce that you can now add this content to your very own website or blog.

Just click on this link or the graphic above to add a completely customizable widget today. And as always, let us know if you have any comments or would like to see any other features added to the Residential Solar Power Blog.

Well that’s an award we received recently thanks to Paul of the Homeowner’s Blog.  Thanks Paul! We would like to pass the “E” for Excellent Award on to some great blogs we follow.

Dave and Dan of Solar Power Rocks  really care about what they do (solar contractors) and it shows.  They are as passionate about solar power as it comes, and it shows.  Definitely add this Excellent blog to your reader!

Can’t forget Green Options! An inspired blog network that includes excellent blogs like Sustainablog and EcoLocalizer.

We have guest posted a couple of times on our next nod for being excellent, Triple Pundit. Nick offers insight on political and technical endeavors for a cleaner environment.

Though he hasn’t posted since June 1st, Jame’s Alternative Energy Blog, has been a long standing blog geared to rid the world of oil dependency.  I think he was one of the first bloggers with this mission.