Types of Solar Power Systems

While solar panels are easily recognizable and are the component most people think of when discussing solar energy, they aren't necessarily the only component of the solar power system. Inverters, batteries, and charge controllers may be utilized, which makes up an electric solar energy system. The need for this equipment is dependent on the type of system you have.

When it comes to electric solar energy systems, one size doesn't fit all. There are a few different types of system designs, which we will discuss in this post. The type of system best for your home is dependent on different needs, conditions, and other factors.

Photovoltaic Direct Systems

Photovoltaic direct systems require the fewest components. They don't use batteries, and aren't hooked up to an outside electric power source. Because of this, a photovoltaic direct system only provides electricity when the sun is out. This type of system isn't really appropriate for powering your home, but may be useful if power is only needed for a few certain applications.

Off-Grid Systems

If you've been investigating solar energy, you've likely heard the phrase “off the grid.” An off-grid system operates independently, and doesn't use existing electrical utility power (the grid). This capability makes off-grid systems a suitable option for remote locations, but you can use them anywhere. They do use a battery to store the energy created for use later on. A number of other components are used to protect the battery, prevent overcharge, and more.

Grid-Tied Systems

A grid-tied system without a battery backup is one of the most common solar energy systems. They convert solar energy for home use, and also sends the energy it produces to the utility grid to offset home energy use. Homes using this type of system may still use some electricity from utility companies, while producing its own solar energy for use. These systems require equipment like solar panels and inverters to make and use the electricity, as well as electrical safety components.

Without a battery, the system doesn't store the additional energy it converts. So, when you experience a utility power outage, your solar energy system won't provide relief. Some grid-tied systems do have a battery backup. They operate the same way as a grid-tied system, except they do store additional energy produced.

As we plan for your solar panel installation, we'll discuss which systems could be used. If you have any questions, we'll be happy to provide the information you need in order to evaluate your options. Contact Smith Sustainable Design today to begin planning for your electric solar energy system.

How do photovoltaic solar panels work?

Solar photovoltaic panels are an efficient way to produce your very own electricity to power your home. Solar energy is cheaper than electricity produced by utility companies, and is environmentally friendly to make and use. If you're considering installing a solar panel system for your home, you may be wondering exactly how they work. Let’s take a look at how a solar photovoltaic panel provides electricity for your use.

The solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells, which are used to create electricity from sunlight. These photovoltaic cells are made up of a semiconductor material which allows electrical energy to pass through. Silicon is commonly used and phosphorous along with boron are added, which work to create conductivity and starts the electrons flowing.

The solar panel collects the energy through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, photons, which are particles of sunlight, are absorbed. This releases an electron. The electrons create an electric current, and they move across the photovoltaic cells when activated by the sun's energy.

The solar photovoltaic panels work by collecting sunlight and converting it into DC electricity. In order to turn the direct current power to alternating current, or AC, your solar photovoltaic panels send the direct current energy to an inverter. The inverter converts DC electricity to the AC electricity you'll need to power devices within your home.

So you see, the solar panels themselves are responsible for creating electrical power by converting energy from the sun. They are only one component of your home's solar power system. However, they are sometimes the most visible, and the most easily recognized component of a solar power system.

Because they only use sunlight to make electricity, when you install solar panels, you must place them in an area which receives adequate sunlight. When deciding on placement, consider pane orientation, the pitch of your roof and the panels, and the area’s shade. Smith Sustainable Design plans your installation so your solar panels will receive the proper amount of sunlight.

Hopefully we've demystified the complicated science behind producing electricity via solar panels. If you're the type who is interested in the science behind things, we'd be happy to discuss it in more detail with you.

Solar panels for the home

Before you install solar panels, before you begin collecting solar energy to power your home, you'll need to ensure your home site can collect the necessary solar energy to provide power for your needs. A solar site survey should be an important step as you plan for solar power energy.

When evaluating your site for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels, there are two key areas you must consider. One, does your site receive enough sunlight? Two, are there any obstacles you'll need to clear or work around in order to collect the necessary solar energy? Let’s address each of these questions to clue you in as to what you should be looking for.

Does my site receive enough sunlight?

Answering this question will require consideration of your location's weather. The occasional cloudy day isn't a big deal, but regular periods of gloomy weather can pose a challenge. Luckily, most locations in the United States receive the necessary sunlight to use solar energy. Some are better than others, so investigate your location further to get a better idea of your solar resources. An almanac or other weather resource is a good starting point.

Do I have obstacles to work around?

This second question is one you may have to work a little harder to assess. When planning to install solar panels, it's very important to choose an idea location for their placement. Trees, buildings, and other structures can stand in the way of your solar panels collecting the necessary amount of energy.

There are a few ways you can go about identifying possible obstacles. First, you'll need to know the path of the sun across the sky. Remember, the sun’s path changes throughout the year, so keep the paths of different seasons in mind when looking for obstacles. You can use a sun chart for your location, which can make the process easier.

Another option for identifying potential obstacles in your home's path may be to build a model of your home and its surroundings. Whether you decide to build a three dimensional diorama, or just sketch a map of your area, you'll have a useful tool for finding structures, natural or otherwise, which can stand in your way when collecting solar energy for home use.

Smith Sustainable Design is experienced in performing solar site surveys to aide in installation decisions. We perform a thorough analysis of your space to determine the ideal location for your solar system panels.

Why use electric solar energy?

Everyone has their own reasons for implementing solar energy use in their homes. Working towards sustainability, improving the environment, lowering utility bills; these are reasons we commonly hear when we install solar panels. Take a look at the reasons behind utilizing this technology, and you will see some of the benefits produced by these solutions. The use of fossil fuels to power our homes have great impacts which we may overlook.

When we think about energy costs, we may look at bills from our electric or gas companies. If you’ve ever lived in a home which uses propane to fuel equipment, you may think of that sizeable bill which comes after you’ve filled the tank. These costs are directly related to our use; what we pay for our energy usage. Unfortunately, the costs aren’t just monetary. When we use fossil fuels and electrical power from utilities, there are greater costs which impact us in many ways.

Personal Costs

Unfortunately with utility companies, you aren’t likely to lock into one rate for a lifetime. You’re subject to changing prices, which are a direct reflection of the costs associated with production and transportation, as well as regulation. Because the fossil fuels used for powering homes are not a renewable resource, there is a limited amount available, causing the price to increase year after year.

If you install solar panels, you’ll be able to harvest your own electric solar energy. By taking matters into your own hands, in a way, you can reduce the effects you feel from utility price increases. Achieving energy independence is important to many people, and using electric solar energy is an affordable way to reduce one’s dependency on fossil fuels.

Shared Costs

In order to access fossil fuels for home use, we put great stress on our environment. Mining and processing fuels have negative effects, as well as transporting fossil fuels for use. The electricity you use from a utility company probably was produced using natural gas or coal. These activities can directly damage or contaminate natural resources, and produce pollutants which can damage our environment. The negative impacts of using these energy sources affect everyone in this way, and we share the negative costs associated.

Electric solar energy is a clean way to produce the power needed to fuel your home’s appliances and devices. When you install solar panels, your electricity is produced right at home. No smokestacks, no drilling, no driving to deliver your energy. Electric solar energy is not harmful to our environment to make or use. You’re not only benefitting your household; you’ll be reducing the impact felt by everyone when nonrenewable resources are consumed.

As you can see, energy costs go beyond the utility bills you receive each month. When you install solar panels, you’ll be reducing the costs you can see, as well as the ones you can’t. Smith Sustainable Design can plan and install an electric solar energy system for your home, providing clean, affordable power.