Solar Panels

Solar panels are the most noticeable component of a residential solar electric system. The solar
panels are installed outside the home, typically on the roof and convert sunlight into electricity.

The photovoltaic effect is the process of converting sunlight into electricity. This process gives
solar panels their alternate name, PV panels.

Solar panels are given output ratings in watts. This rating is the maximum produced by the panel
under ideal conditions. Output per panel is between 10 and 300 watts, with 100 watts be a
common configuration.

Solar Array Mounting Racks

Solar panels are joined into arrays and commonly mounted in one of three ways: on roofs; on
poles in free standing arrays; or directly on the ground.

Roof mounted systems are the most common and may be required by zoning ordinances. This
approach is aesthetic and efficient. The main drawback of roof mounting is maintenance. For
high roofs, clearing snow or repairing the systems can be an issue. Panels do not usually require
much maintenance, however.
Free standing, pole mounted arrays can be set at height that makes maintenance easy. The
advantage of easy maintenance must be weighed against the additional space required for the
arrays.

Ground systems are low and simple, but cannot be used in areas with regular accumulations of
snow. Space is also a consideration with these array mounts.

Regardless of where you mount the arrays, mounts are either fixed or tracking. Fixed mounts are
preset for height and angle and do not move. Since the angle of the sun changes throughout the
year, the height and angle of fixed mount arrays are a compromise that trades optimum angle for
a less expensive, less complex installation.

Tracking arrays move with the sun. Tracking array move east to west with the sun and adjust
their angle to maintain the optimum as the sun moves.

Array DC Disconnect

The Array DC disconnect is used to disconnect the solar arrays from the home for maintenance.
It is called a DC disconnect because the solar arrays produce DC (direct current) power.
Inverter

Solar panels and batteries produce DC (direct current) power. Standard home appliances use AC
(alternating current). An inverter converts the DC power produced by the solar panels and
batteries to the AC power required by appliances.
Battery Pack

Solar power systems produce electricity during the daytime, when the sun is shining. Your home
demands electricity at night and on cloudy days when the sun isnt shining. To offset this
mismatch, batteries can be added to the system.

Power Meter, Utility Meter, Kilowatt Meter

For systems that maintain a tie to the utility grid, the power meter measures the amount of power
used from the grid. In systems designed to sell power the utility, the power meter also measures
the amount of power the solar system sends to the grid.

Backup Generator

For systems that are not tied to the utility grid, a backup generator is used to provide power
during periods of low system output due to poor weather or high household demand.
Homeowners concerned with the environmental impact of generators can install a generator that
runs on alternative fuel such as biodiesel, rather than gasoline.

Breaker Panel, AC Panel, Circuit Breaker Panel

The breaker panel is where the power source is joined to the electrical circuits in your home. A
circuit is a continuous route of connected wire that joins together outlets and lights in the electric
system.

For each circuit there is a circuit breaker. Circuit breakers prevent the appliances on a circuit
from drawing too much electricity and causing a fire hazard. When the appliances on a circuit
demand too much electricity, the circuit breaker will switch off or trip, interrupting the flow of
electricity.

Charge Controller

The charge controller also known as charge regulator maintains the proper charging voltage
for system batteries.

Batteries can be overcharged, if fed continuous voltage. The charge controller regulates the
voltage, preventing overcharging and allowing charging when required.