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Electra Energy USA – Powering Your Home Today
At Electra Energy USA, we are advocates of clean energy. We’re here to answer your questions on solar, help you understand how it works, and design a customized solution for your home! Contact us today to schedule your free solar evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you.
Solar energy is the most abundant energy source on Earth. Our atmosphere absorbs roughly 70% of the solar energy that reaches the planet. One of the most popular applications of this endless and renewable energy is the ability to harness it for electricity through solar panels.
Many homes, businesses, and schools choose to transition to solar energy. This shift offers numerous advantages, with the main goal being cost control and sourcing energy from a renewable resource instead of the traditional power grid. Solar power is both affordable and can significantly reduce electricity bills. Perhaps the best feature of this energy source is that it is clean and sustainable. By opting for solar energy for your home, you’re helping to alleviate the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment.
This article will provide you with the basics of solar panel systems, explaining what constitutes a solar panel and what equipment is needed to generate electricity from the sun.
What is a Solar Panel?
A solar panel is a device that absorbs and collects clean solar energy from the sun and converts it into usable power. Sunlight is composed of energy particles called “photons,” which can power electrical devices when harnessed and directed properly.
A professional installer can arrange solar panels on the roof of a home or commercial building to generate enough renewable electricity to meet energy needs, with excess power stored for nighttime use.
How Solar Panels Work
Here is a simple overview of how solar panel systems function:
- During daylight hours, solar cells within the panels absorb sunlight.
- The cell circuits gather this energy and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
- The DC energy flows through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity.
- The AC electricity can be used immediately, stored for later use, or sent back to the power grid.
What Makes Up a Solar Panel System?
Solar panel systems are durable and can provide significant value to your home when properly installed and maintained. Four main components make up a solar panel system:
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
These convert solar energy into electricity.
Inverters
These change DC electricity into AC electricity.
Racking and Mounting Hardware
These secure the panels to a roof or surface for optimal sunlight exposure.
Performance Monitoring Technology
This tracks and monitors your solar system’s energy output and maintenance needs.
Let’s dive deeper into each component below:
Solar Panels
Solar panels consist of a metal frame, glass cover, wiring, and solar cells made of materials like silicon, phosphorous, and boron. Typically, one panel (also called a module) is about four feet wide and six feet tall, weighing around 30 pounds. These solar cells are the key elements of the panels, and thousands of them work together to collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. Different brands and manufacturers use unique configurations of solar cells. When sunlight strikes these cells, it activates electrons, which flow through the cells. Wires embedded in the cells capture the electrons’ energy and combine it to produce an electrical current. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect.
A basic explanation of the photovoltaic effect is as follows:
- Sunlight hits the solar cells, energizing the electrons in the cells and setting them into motion.
- This movement of electrons creates an electrical current at the junction between the cell layers.
- Wires and metal plates capture this flow of electrons, producing electricity.
Inverters
The power produced by solar cells is direct current (DC) electricity. However, this needs to be converted to alternating current (AC) electricity in order to be used by your home. Inverters are the devices that perform this conversion. There are three main types of inverters for solar panels:
1. String (or Centralized) Inverters
A single inverter connects all solar panels to your electrical panel. String inverters are a standard, cost-effective choice and offer reliable technology. However, if one panel’s power output is reduced due to shading, the entire system’s performance may be affected.
2. Microinverters
Microinverters are installed on each individual solar panel. This allows each panel to operate at its maximum capacity, even if some panels are shaded. This inverter type often provides advantages like panel-level monitoring, diagnostics, and rapid shutdown features. However, microinverters tend to be more expensive.
3. Power optimizers
Power optimizers combine elements of microinverters and string inverters. Like microinverters, optimizers are attached to each panel. However, rather than converting DC to AC, they shape the DC power, which is then sent to a centralized inverter. Power optimizers offer many of the benefits of microinverters and perform well even in the case of shading or varied panel orientations. Their price is typically between that of string inverters and microinverters.
Racking and Mounting Hardware
Racking and mounting systems secure solar panels to your roof during installation. These systems typically include flashings, mounts, rails, and clamps. The panels are usually installed at an angle of about 30 to 45 degrees, facing south to optimize sun exposure. Before installation, your solar installer may discuss options for tilt or tracking mounts to capture sunlight at the ideal angle.
Fixed mounts keep panels stationary after installation, while tracking mounts can move to follow the sun throughout the day. Tracking mounts are usually only used for ground-mounted panels.
Performance Monitoring Technology
Performance monitoring systems provide detailed data about your solar energy system, including:
- Performance stats (hourly, daily, monthly)
- Energy consumption and generation
- Efficiency and optimal energy use
- Alerts for system damage or maintenance needs
- Some systems can even track electricity savings
These systems can function on-site or be accessed remotely through apps or online services.
Electra Energy USA is committed to helping you make the most of clean, renewable solar energy. If you have any questions or would like to explore solar options for your home, don’t hesitate to contact us for your free solar evaluation. We look forward to helping you save money while protecting the planet.
