Understand It. Choose It. Build It Your Way.
Know your estimated solar size? Learn what equipment makes it work, compare your options, and build a preliminary component list. No account or sales call required.
1. Start with your system size
Already used our preliminary solar estimate? Enter its suggested size here. No need to repeat your electricity bill.
2. What do you want your system to do?
3. Choose your inverter
4. Battery storage
The equipment list is preliminary. Exact module quantities, inverter limits, racking and electrical requirements must be verified.
Your example equipment list
Required equipment
Optional upgrades
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2. What equipment do I need?
Solar panels: 405W vs 580W
Higher-wattage modules produce more rated power per panel but are often larger. Roof fit, temperature performance and price matter too.
APsystems micros vs hybrid inverter
Microinverters convert power at the module; hybrid inverters can support storage designs. Compatibility and backup architecture must be verified.
Battery storage: optional upgrade
Optional for many grid-tied solar systems. Batteries can support selected loads during outages when the system is designed for backup.
What about racking and safety components?
Every system needs compatible mounting, conductors, overcurrent protection, disconnects and other code-required equipment. Final specifications depend on the installation.
Does a bigger panel need more sunlight?
No. Wattage is a standard-test-condition rating, not a minimum sunshine-hours requirement. Compare module efficiency, physical size, temperature coefficient and warranty instead.
Does solar-only work in a blackout?
Most conventional grid-tied solar systems shut down during an outage unless specifically equipped and configured for approved backup operation.
Compare Real Solar Equipment
Learn why different equipment fits different goals. Manufacturer specifications are not an approved system design.
LESSO 580W N-TOPCon
580W rated · 22.45% efficiency
Bifacial module with 30-year linear power output warranty and 12-year product workmanship warranty. Larger panels may reduce panel count but require suitable mounting space.
2278 × 1134 mm; 42.75V Vmp; 13.57A Imp; 51.43V Voc; 14.33A Isc at STC. Bifacial gain depends on installation.
APsystems DS3 microinverters
Two independent panel inputs per unit
Useful for grid-tied rooftop solar and roofs with different orientations. Two independent MPPT channels and module-level monitoring through the ECU/EMA system.
DS3-S: 640VA · DS3-L: 768VA · DS3: 880VA. DS3: 20A maximum input current per channel, 60V maximum input voltage. 25-year standard warranty, subject to conditions.
EG4 18kPV hybrid
12kW AC output at 240V · 3 MPPTs
Suited to systems designed for battery integration, backup and generator support. Can be used in grid-connected or off-grid architectures with proper design.
100–600V DC input; 140–500V MPPT range; 18kW maximum utilized solar power; 21kW recommended maximum input; 10-year standard warranty.
Which is better for solar-only versus backup?
APsystems DS3 microinverters can be a straightforward choice for grid-tied solar-only systems. EG4 18kPV may make sense for a battery-focused or backup-capable design. Neither is universally better; choose based on utility rules, roof layout, storage plans and cost.
Can a LESSO 580W panel connect to a DS3?
The 580W LESSO module lists 51.43V open-circuit voltage and 14.33A short-circuit current at STC. The DS3 lists 60V maximum DC input and 25A maximum short-circuit input per channel, but cold-weather voltage, current, clipping, connector and approved pairing must still be checked. Do not assume DS3-L or DS3-S have the same limits.
What makes a complete system?
Required items include appropriately matched modules, inverter architecture, engineered racking, wiring, disconnects, electrical protection, monitoring and permits. Batteries and generator integration are optional for many grid-tied systems. A licensed designer must finalize the bill of materials.