It is really lucky that we do not need to completely understand how solar panels work to take advantage of the technology. It would take a pretty long physics lesson to even come close to comprehending the world of photo voltaic arrays. What is relatively easy to learn about, however, is how to put a system to work for your home.
Solar panels can be purchased already constructed, which, unless you are a very adept do-it-yourself person, is the best route to take. Since energy power is measured in watts or kilowatts, what you will need to know is how many kilowatts per hour (kWh) you need to power the solar panels for your home or business.
Because solar panels produce direct current energy and electronics require alternating current, an inverter is used to convert the energy produced by solar panels. Once converted, the power is ready to be used, stored, or transferred. There are two types of solar power systems- – on-grid and off-grid.
With a system that is tied into the grid, the power is transferred to the power company, which gives the homeowner a credit, in essence, buying that power from them. If the amount of power produced is more than the homeowner needs, only a flat utility charge is due to the company. In most cases, they will not pay for the excess. The downside of this type of system is that when there is a blackout, the homeowner is without power just like everyone else.
An off-grid solar panel system requires one extra component: batteries. The power is used during the day with the excess going to the batteries. Then when night falls, the homeowner uses the power that was stored in the batteries. This is a better situation for those who don’t want to be without power when the grid is down. However, it is more expensive to install. This is for two reasons – one, the power company will not provide any incentives for you to install a system they do not benefit from; and two, there are additional costs involved in batteries and replacing them as they wear out.
Having solar panels installed on your home will require the services of an electrician who is experienced in this type of system. Most counties will require this to be the case, and permits need to be pulled before the work is begun. Many people wonder how long it will take to break even on energy savings versus installation. It is not easy to calculate that because every family’s utility usage is different, and there is no way to know how much utility costs will change over time. Most people have these systems installed to not just to save energy costs, but also to help the planet and feel self-sufficient in the process. A real win-win situation!
[source: http://climatecontrolhickory.com/]
Solar panels can be purchased already constructed, which, unless you are a very adept do-it-yourself person, is the best route to take. Since energy power is measured in watts or kilowatts, what you will need to know is how many kilowatts per hour (kWh) you need to power the solar panels for your home or business.
With a system that is tied into the grid, the power is transferred to the power company, which gives the homeowner a credit, in essence, buying that power from them. If the amount of power produced is more than the homeowner needs, only a flat utility charge is due to the company. In most cases, they will not pay for the excess. The downside of this type of system is that when there is a blackout, the homeowner is without power just like everyone else.
An off-grid solar panel system requires one extra component: batteries. The power is used during the day with the excess going to the batteries. Then when night falls, the homeowner uses the power that was stored in the batteries. This is a better situation for those who don’t want to be without power when the grid is down. However, it is more expensive to install. This is for two reasons – one, the power company will not provide any incentives for you to install a system they do not benefit from; and two, there are additional costs involved in batteries and replacing them as they wear out.
Having solar panels installed on your home will require the services of an electrician who is experienced in this type of system. Most counties will require this to be the case, and permits need to be pulled before the work is begun. Many people wonder how long it will take to break even on energy savings versus installation. It is not easy to calculate that because every family’s utility usage is different, and there is no way to know how much utility costs will change over time. Most people have these systems installed to not just to save energy costs, but also to help the planet and feel self-sufficient in the process. A real win-win situation!
[source: http://climatecontrolhickory.com/]
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