As you begin your journey to installing a solar power system, you may be wondering what in the world a system like this is comprised of? Residential solar power systems can seem complicated but in fact, they are just several parts of a whole working together to do a job, and an important one at that.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the star of the show and are the most noticeable thing about a solar system. These lovely ladies are large, flat panels that become the face of your system. They’re usually installed on the roof of your home, but can also be ground-mounted, and are responsible for converting all that glorious sunshine into electricity. You may also hear them referred to as PV panels. PV, short for photovoltaic effect, simply means the process of turning sunlight into electricity.
Array DC (Direct Current) Disconnect
This handy tool is used to disconnect the panels for maintenance.
Inverter
Different things use different types of electrical currents. An inverter takes the Direct Current, or DC, from the panels and batteries and turns it into an Alternating Current, or AC, which is used to power your home.
Battery Storage
Unfortunately, the sun can’t shine all the time. That’s why a battery pack comes in handy. With it, you can store energy from the daytime to power your home at night and on rainy days. However, many grid-tied systems do not have a battery pack. Many utilities will hold your excess power until you need it. But, if you’re interested in battery backup; for instance, in case of power outages, you can discuss your options with your solar representative.
Meter
The meter is vital for measuring how much energy your system produces, how much you use, and how much power you push into the grid, in exchange for a credit with your utility.
Now that you’ve got a better idea what your solar energy system will entail, are you ready to go green? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today to set up a quote and we’ll have your system up and running before you know it.
