Learn
Solar Basics
A quick, plain-English primer before you size your own system in AE Connect.
What Is a Solar System?
Every solar power system is built from three core components:
Solar Panels (the Array)
Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Battery Bank
Stores that electricity so it can be used at night or when there's no sun.
Inverter
Converts the stored/solar electricity into the everyday power your appliances use, and is the single number (in kVA or kW) that tells you “how big” your system is.
Not All Appliances Are Equal
Not every appliance places the same demand on a solar system. Two homes with the exact same total wattage can still need very different system sizes. Here's why:
| Type | In Simple Terms | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Resistive | Draws power steadily, no extra kick needed to start. | Lighting, TV, phone/laptop chargers, microwave |
| Inductive | Has a motor or compressor, needs an extra surge of power to start up, even though it settles down once running. | Air conditioners, refrigerators/freezers, borehole & booster pumps |
Why does this matter to you?Appliances with a motor or compressor need an extra kick of power just to switch on. Our calculator automatically adds this safety margin, so your system starts everything in your home reliably. You don't need to work out anything yourself.
Runtime Matters
The longer an appliance runs each day, the more energy your battery needs to store. Tell us the hours you actually use each appliance, not the longest possible time, and we'll size a battery that fits your real day, not an oversized, overpriced one.
Ready to size your own system?
Get My Solution