Installation and setup should be done by a professional to avoid danger to person or property.
National electrical code applies to all installations even if they are not supplied from the grid.
A properly grounded service is mandatory.
Although 12 volts is not considered a lethal voltage it is still possible to create a fire hazard .
Wire sizes must be adequate, fuses must be installed and connections always clean and tight.
12 volt systems present us with high currents compared to 120 volts:
A 500 watt fridge draws 42 amps at 12 volts DC,this would require #8 wire and should not extend more than 30 feet (of wire) from the battery.
A 500 watt fridge draws 21 amps at 24 volts DC,This would require #10 wire and could extend up to 60 feet.
A 500 watt fridge draws 4.5 amps at 120 volts AC and could be connected to #14 wire and run 200'
Fuses are sized to protect the wire (15A fuse for 15A wire). A length of wire can become hot if overloaded.
A fuse or breaker is required at the battery positive.
A standard service panel is designed as 120/240 volt 3 wire. A single inverter supplies 120 volt 2 wire.
It is best to use 14/2 for all circuits. The use of 14/3 for a two circuit home run will not work, as the neutral (white) is meant to carry only the unbalanced load in a 3 wire system, with 2 wire the neutral could be overloaded.
The code allows 20 amp outlets in kitchens this will use 12/2 wire
It is OK to use 14/3 for wiring within a circuit for 3 way switching or interconnecting smoke alarms.
The code requires that kitchen counter plugs be wired as 3 wire, one may choose to install 14/3 home runs for "future", in this case the red wire will be taped back at both ends and tagged.
A combination service panel 60 Amp to 200 Amp with a main breaker should be used. The main will serve as a disconnect only as the inverter is unable to generate the large fault currents required to trip the main and most inverters have built in protection.
All other requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code must be complied with, however a meter base and mast will not be used.
A ground plate is required, use #4 wire to the service ground, leave the brass screw in place. Bonding to plumbing etc. will require #6 wire.
The code does not allow the modification of equipment therefore a jumper between the two legs is not permitted. The breakers will be placed in every second position to contact the A leg, the B leg will remain dead.
There will be no 2 pole breakers, 15 Amp breakers are all that will be used (20A with 12/2 wire for a large table saw).
GFCI breakers shall be used as required.
A #8 cable will be adequate between the inverter and the service for a 2.5 kW unit (6 kW) surge.
One outlet every 12 feet is required, this is a good rule, although your consumption will be low it may as well be convenient.
A permit is required if you do your own wiring.
A battery enclosure is required to protect people from danger and to protect the batteries from damage and cold.
An enclosure must be ventilated to allow to exit of hydrogen gas that is generated during charging and cannot be inside due to the fire hazard this creates unless it is sealed and vented outside.
A metal enclosure is preferable as it can be bonded (grounded), these boxes are expensive.
A layer of rigid insulation minimum 2" should be placed around the batteries. The enclosure can be close to a warm foundation perhaps partially buried in concrete.
A building square should not cast a shadow when placed on the edge of the panel. Out put decreases when there is more than a 15 degree offset.
A monthly seasonal adjustment of the inclination angle is important for winter and shoulder months.
A daily tracking system is complex and expensive. A true solar activist may choose to build a manual tracker. A pole mount frame on a short pipe rigged with a swivel bearing and boat steering, could make a dramatic increase in solar gain however, one must move the wheel a couple of times a day to enjoy the benefit.