A residential solar system Nerang generates electricity for your home using a process called photovoltaic effect. There are 5 key components that make up a complete solar electric system: Solar Panels, Inverters, Batteries, Electrical Panel and the Electric Meter.
Energy produced by a residential solar system that is surplus to household consumption can be sold back to the grid under a feed in tariff. These vary state by state and are influenced by local electricity rates and pricing.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the heart of your solar energy system. They convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC) that can power your home appliances and reduce your reliance on the grid.
The size of your solar panel system depends on your home’s energy needs and the amount of sun it gets. Your electricity consumption is displayed on your utility bill as kilowatt-hours, which can help you determine how many panels you need.
In some locations, utilities offer rate schedules that vary over time. This makes your solar energy more valuable at certain times of the year.
If your solar energy system produces more electricity than your home consumes, you can sell the excess back to the grid. Alternatively, you can use an Energy Storage System (ESS) to store that excess energy for off-grid or backup applications. To learn more about the best option for your home, speak with an Energy Advisor today. They can connect you with a solar consultant for personalized solutions.
Inverters
An inverter is a crucial part of a solar power system. It takes the variable Direct Current (DC) from your solar panels and turns it into Alternating Current (AC), which is what you use for electricity in your home. It does this by having pairs of transistors constantly opening and closing. This creates a smooth electrical wave that works reliably with your appliances and systems.
When selecting an inverter for your solar panel array, look for one with a continuous rating of at least 15 amps. This is important for preventing overheating and shutting down. Also look for a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 6 percent for optimal performance.
Some inverters offer battery backup charging and can feed excess power back into the grid. This is useful if you want to be self-sufficient but still connect to the utility grid.
Batteries
When paired with solar panels, batteries allow your home to continue using energy even when the sun isn’t shining. They also enable homeowners to take advantage of TOU rates and extra electric bill savings.
Solar battery systems monitor the electricity demand of your home, and if the system is generating more power than the house uses it will direct that surplus to the battery instead of sending it back to the grid (known as net metering). The battery then stores that electricity until it needs to be used, at which time it will distribute that energy in priority to your household loads.
Energy storage batteries range in size from the aspirin tablet-sized lithium ion batteries that power in-the-ear hearing aids to 40 MWh of energy storage for powering buildings and homes. Brighten installs high-quality, cobalt-free, lithium ion batteries that are built for the specific use of storing and delivering solar energy to your home. They are scalable and built to handle heavy cycles of charging and discharging.
Electrical Panel
When sunlight hits solar panels, it creates a conductive field that electricity flows through. This current travels to an inverter, which converts it from direct current (DC) into alternative current (AC). AC power is the kind that homes and businesses use to light their rooms, power appliances and more.
The type of panel you choose matters because different types of panels have different efficiency ratings. For example, a monocrystalline solar panel is more efficient than a polycrystalline one. But, if your project is limited by roof space, a polycrystalline panel may be fine.
If you receive a quote that's significantly lower than the rest, it could indicate that the system size is smaller or that the equipment isn't top-quality. Only work with vetted solar providers like those on EnergySage to avoid these risks.