So I want to go completely solar. Do I need the connected solar panels alone for after sundown hours; Do I need something else in order to have energy to run my entire house throughout the night?In other words do solar panels store the energy for after sun-down or do I need other devices to store the energy?
You can energize your home with a solar panel system if it sized correctly and if you have sufficient space for the panels oriented in the correct position. The solar panels will not provide your power directly since most of the devices we use are AC. The system will include and inverter for conversion from DC to AC. It will also include batteries to store your daytime energy for your nighttime use. If considering a solar panel system look and the references below and don't forget to do a home energy audit first to minimize your electrical needs so you can invest in a smaller system. I would also recommend incorporating solar hot water heating system, separate from solar panels. This will also minimize the amount of solar panels you will need.
solar panels don't store energy, they only generate it. If you want to store energy you need a battery bank of some kind to get you through the night and anytime the sun isn't shining. If you have a little extra in the budget you might look at a geothermal system for your home's heating and cooling needs. They're highly efficient systems and you can supplement however you like. Whatever you do, though I hope you have a good building envelope in place already. Solar panels are cool, but if you have a leaky house, you're still not getting the best out of your panels. Do the more mundane stuff first. Insulation, windows, and weather-tight doors.
