Solar PV

Solar photovoltaic systems convert the sunlight energy directly into electrical energy. A solar module is made up of Silicon solar cells. A DC or direct current is generated when sunlight hits a solar cell. The potential (voltage) and current can be increased by arranging solar cells in series and parallel. The DC is converted to AC or alternating current by an inverter or an array of inverters. The AC power can be sold back to the utility company or used domestically. Since solar modules have no moving parts, are virtually maintenance-free and generally have a warranty of 25 years. The most common form of maintenance for a solar electric system is an occasional cleaning of the solar panel surface to remove any accumulated dust or debris. Even with no maintenance solar can provide clean and quite electricity for 25 to 40 years.

Grid Tied
Grid tied systems are connected to the utility supplied lines. The meter installed by the utility company can measure electricity flowing in either direction. It means that the meter can go in reverse when energy is supplied back to utility. Net metering allows the PV system owner to supply unused power to the utility provider while continuing to draw on

utility-supplied power when needed. The net meter reading will be used for electricity bills, which will be significantly lower.

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Solar Panels - Solar panels collect molecules of sunshine, which are little packets of energy, and converts them into an electric current. DC to AC Inverter - DC to AC inverters convert the DC current generated by a solar panel into AC current that can be used to power appliances in your home. Electrical Distribution Panel - This is the panel that feeds all of the homes circuits. AC Loads - Once your solar panels have converted the Sun's light into an eclectric current and that current has been coverted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), it can then be used to power your lights and appliances.

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Electric Meter - Your home solar power system can actually cause your electric meter to spin backwards as it feeds the electricity it generates into the main power grid and you earn credit on your electric bill. Main Power Grid - Once electricity generated by your residential solar power system is directed onto the power grid, it can then be used by someone else and adds to the overall total of kilowatt hours produced by a clean and renewable energy source - the Sun!

Grid Tied with Battery Backup

Grid tied systems are connected to the utility supplied lines. The meter installed by the utility company can measure electricity flowing in either direction. It means that the meter can go in reverse when energy is supplied back to utility. Net metering allows the PV system owner to supply unused power to the utility provider while continuing to draw on utility-supplied power when needed. The net meter reading will be used for electricity bills, which will be significantly lower.

Off Grid
Off grid systems are generally installed in remote locations which are either without utility grids or or an area where blackouts and brownouts are relatively common. It's a good solution in an area where running a line to the local utility grid is expensive. With an off-grid system, your solar energy system would supply all of the power required by a house or business. Off-grid systems completely relieve you from dependency on electrical grids. Off-grid systems typically require a larger investment than grid-tie systems. This is, due to the extra backup needed in form of batteries and chargers when the sun is not available. A grid-tie usually supplements a home's energy demands, reducing the amount of energy required from the utility grid. An off-grid system is responsible for providing all power - appliances, lighting, and the electricity required for other utilities. To be fully independent, a system must have a greater array of energy-producing panels, which in turn requires more

batteries to store the charge and more equipment to regulate the charge. While requiring more parts will require a large initial investment, however considering laying the utility lines to property may be even more expensive if property is far away from main lines.