Solar PV Systems are a great way to offset your electricity costs and are environmentally friendly. The system can be sized to match your energy needs and can be expanded over time as your needs change.
The basic components include an inverter, combiners, disconnects and breakers. An electric meter measures the incoming and outgoing power, while the wiring transports the energy between the various components.
Cost
The cost of Solar PV System varies from state to state and depends on many factors, including installation costs. In addition, the cost of solar energy is based on the amount of electricity a household uses and whether it can be exported back to the grid. This can be determined by examining past electricity bills or using online calculators to calculate the expected daily, weekly, and yearly consumption.
Generally speaking, the bigger the solar panel system the less expensive it is per watt. However, it’s important to comparison shop before jumping at the first solar installer you speak with. Just like a home purchase, it’s best to get multiple quotes before making any commitments. In this way, you can avoid overpaying for a solar system. Moreover, you’ll have more bargaining power when negotiating with your potential installer. The price difference between $3 and $4 per watt can add up to thousands of dollars over time.
Energy output
When a PV system is installed, it generates electricity and saves you money on your power bills. This energy can be self-consumed by your household, stored in a battery system or exported to the grid.
When photons of sunlight hit a solar cell, they knock electrons in the semiconductor material into a higher level of activity, creating direct current (DC) electricity. In PV systems with batteries, an inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which can be used by household appliances.
The amount of energy a PV system produces can vary, depending on its siting and installation. It can also be affected by shading from surrounding trees, buildings, or other structures. In addition, there are losses in the wiring and connections, as well as mismatch between modules due to manufacturing variations. To minimise these losses, it is best to use a specialist solar industry software package.
Maintenance
While reliable photovoltaic installation perth are very low maintenance, there are still costs associated with maintaining the system. These costs typically relate to cleaning, monitoring and system repairs. These costs can be as low as $150 for a single service or as high as $1,250. It is essential to have these services done to ensure the maximum efficiency of your panels and to avoid any potential issues that may arise.
Solar panels require a lot of sunlight to operate properly. The sun’s rays can be obstructed by dirt, leaves, bird droppings and dust on the surface of your panel. This can reduce their energy output significantly.
Regular inspections will ensure that your solar panel is clean and free from any obstructions. A qualified inspector will also check to see if any components are faulty or showing signs of wear and tear. For example, if your panel’s generation reading is lower than usual it could indicate that there is a fault in the inverter.
Insurance
Most insurers consider rooftop solar energy systems permanent attachments to your home, meaning that the cost to insure them will usually be rolled into your dwelling coverage. However, if you’re leasing the panels from a third party, you’ll likely need to buy your own insurance policy.
Your homeowners policy may require you to increase your coverage limit when you add solar panels to your house. This is especially true for ground-mounted, carport, or wall-mounted solar panels that aren’t attached to your roof.
Some insurers have told solar customers that installing panels turns them into commercial utilities, and therefore makes them ineligible for homeowner’s policies, says Heaven Campbell, a Florida program director at Solar United Neighbors, which helps people form solar co-ops. But she has also heard from plenty of homeowners that their insurers have no problem insuring their rooftop solar systems, assuming they’re installed by licensed and insured installers. Adding solar power to your home can significantly increase its value, so you want to be sure that you have the right homeowners insurance to protect it.