How Solar Power Works
Solar panel systems, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels can produce electricity on cloudy days, but not as much as on a sunny day. If you are paying more than $100 each month in utility bills, you can likely save money with solar power.
Solar panel arrays are best mounted at a fixed angle facing south, or they can be mounted on a tracking device that follows the sun, allowing them to capture the most sunlight over the course of a day. Because of their modularity, solar panel systems can be designed to meet most power needs, no matter how large or how small. You can connect solar panels to an electric utility system (grid-connected), or they can stand alone (off-grid) with an optional battery storage system.
A grid-connected solar panel system receives back-up power from the utility company when the solar power system is not producing enough energy. When the solar panels produce excess power, the utility is often required to purchase the power through a metering and rate arrangement. Under this arrangement, also known as net-metering, the utility essentially pays you the retail price in the form of energy credits for the electricity you provide into the grid. Your local installer should know about the requirements of your utility company.
To produce power, solar cells (about 40) are interconnected to form solar panels. About 10 to 20 solar panels could provide enough power for a household .The key components of a solar electric system include:
1. Solar Panels: Solar panels convert sunlight to electricity. They are typically mounted to the roof of a residence or ground mounted close to the building.
2. Inverter: The inverter (or power converter) converts the direct current (DC) power from the panels to alternating current (AC) used in your home. Some newer panels include micro-inverters that are integrated into the panels, so no additional equipment is needed
3. Electrical Panel: Power travels from the inverter to the breaker box or electrical service panel. The power from the electrical panel is then distributed throughout the home or back to the utility grid for use.
4. Utility Meter: When excess power is produced by the solar system (for instance during a work day at a residence or over the weekend at a business), the electrical power will flow into the grid through the electric meter. This will cause the meter to run backwards, generating a credit with the utility company that can be used to offset future usage.
