When considering solar for your home or business, we at Dixon Power Systems, feel it's important the customer understands the basic aspects of how solar energy operates.  First , solar arrays need generous access to sunlight.  Think 9 am to 3 pm, if you have roof or ground space large enough to accomodate an array with no shading during this time, then you probably have a good solar window.  Minimal shading can be dealt with but for simplicity sake, you want full access to the sun.  Second, with a basic grid tie system as seen above, it's important to understand these systems depend on the local utility grid to operate. If a power outage with the local utility occurs, the inverter will shut your system off and you will be without electricity to your home.  This is a function mandated to protect utility workers from un-expected electrocution due to the energy generated from the array that back feeds the line.  If you require or want electricity when the local utility is down, then you will need a battery bank with your system.   See our Battery Back-up page for more information on battery based solar.