An overview of what it takes

An overview of what it takes consist of solar panels (to collect the power), an array DC disconnect (to be able to cut the power from the PV panels), a charge controller (to regulate the charge to the battery), a battery bank (to store power), a system meter (to monitor power usage and status), a main DC disconnect (to cut power to battery bank / inverter), an inverter (to convert it from DC to AC), an AC breaker panel (to accept and distribute power to your household loads). A generator can also be connected to the inverter as back up power.