Components of a Solar Power System
Basic components of a solar power system that you need to be aware of prior to the installation include solar panels, solar mounting systems, inverters, charge controllers, and other elements, depending on the type of your system. Read this blog to understand your household's needs and make the most of your solar power experience.
Solar Panels
The vital element of the solar power system, the solar PV panel is what converts the energy of the sun into electricity. While all components of a photovoltaic system are important for its success, an excellent solar panel is the most essential component.
PV panels vary depending on their size, price, output rating, and subtype. Panels typically consist of either 60 or 72 photovoltaic cells, and the ones with 120 or 144 cells are also used sometimes. The output of a single panel varies between 10 and 300 watts. While a typical panel has an input of around 100 watts, the ones with the 300-watt input are considered highly efficient.
The typical efficiency of PV panels is between 15 and 20 percent, and it is worth investing in panels with higher efficiency ratings. If your PV panels are efficient enough, you can get away with smaller panels.
Polycrystalline vs. Monocrystalline Panels
There are two basic types of electric panels: polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Cells in a monocrystalline panel are manufactured from a single source of silicone, which is the most efficient technology on the market. Polycrystalline PV cells are made from different sources of silicone, which is a cheaper technology that also happens to be less effective. Both subtypes are widely available on the market, and the choice you make boils down to cost vs. efficiency.
The minimum price of the solar cell per watt in the United States is $2.40, and it could be as high as $5 depending on the characteristics of a panel and the manufacturer. To make the best out of your panel, it is crucial to place it right.
Solar Mounting Systems
Solar power systems are mounted strategically to get the maximum amount of sunshine over a year. You should use a high-quality mounting system and rely on a professional because a solar panel must stay intact and be functional for at least 25 years or even longer. Solar panels are typically installed at a 30 or 45-degree angle and face a southern direction.
Fixed vs. Track
There are several subtypes of solar mounting systems. Based on mobility, there are fixed systems and track systems. If the system is fixed, it remains in one place for the entire duration of its use. A track system allows the PV panel to move together with the sun. This mounting system is rarer and is used only if the solar panel is installed on the ground.
Roof-mounted vs. Ground
According to the solar panels' location, mounting systems can be roof-mounted or ground ones. Roof systems are used in the majority of cases and are most often required by the local regulations. Roof systems make the most sense for most households, as it allows them to capture the sun most efficiently.
Ground mounting systems are installed directly on the ground and are a wonderful solution for those who cannot install the system on the roof. However, it is best not to use these systems in the areas affected by snow or other weather conditions that may make the panel's maintenance more complicated. The initial cost of ground mounting systems is more expensive compared to installing solar panels on the rooftop.
Solar Power Inverters
The inverter is an important element of the photovoltaic system that converts the DC energy from the cells into the AC electricity used in homes. Common subtypes of inverters found in solar panels are string inverters, power optimizers, and microinverters.
String Central Inverters
String centralized inverters are the most prevalent inverters for solar systems, and they are the most cost-efficient as well. You will find these inverters in residential areas of any big city. These inverters connect all solar panels to an electrical panel at once. If your photovoltaic cells are installed close to one another, and your roof does not have visible shades to it, you will most likely be offered to have a string solar inverter.
Microinverters
Microinverters are small in size and are installed separately with every solar panel. This technology helps to maximize every single PV cell; however, it is way more costly than your common string inverter. Microinverters are, on average, 10 to 12 percent more efficient than your regular string inverters.
Microinverters will likely be offered to you as the most viable option if your photovoltaic cells are affected by the shade unevenly throughout the day.
Power Optimizers
Power optimizers are a cross between a common string inverter and a microinverter. Like the latter, they are attached to each photovoltaic cell individually. However, they are not transforming DC power into AC power but send a converted DC power into an additional string inverter. Power optimizers are a compromise for those who want to use the benefits of a string inverter while giving attention to each photovoltaic cell individually. They are cheaper than microinverters by a large margin.
Other Elements of a Photovoltaic System
- A charge controller helps manage the voltage of a photovoltaic panel and control the power flow from the panel to the battery.
- A battery bank is one of the most expensive elements of the system if its maintenance is considered. Most modern solar systems batteries are made of lithium, though lead acid ones are also an option. Batteries store the excess solar energy so that it could be used at night.
- A Power Meter is an important element of a grid-connected photovoltaic system as it regulates the amount of power taken from the grid. If your photovoltaic system is designed to sell solar energy to the utility company, this is also regulated by the power meter. The utility company may insist on installing a specific kind of power meter to measure the energy output.
- DC Disconnect Switches are used to disconnect the panel from the electrical system in the house when maintenance is needed. This is an element of a solar system vital for its safety.
- A Backup Generator is an element of the standalone power system that provides energy when difficult weather conditions interrupt the normal work of a solar panel.
- Breaker Panels, Circuit Breakers, and Wiring are the common elements of a photovoltaic system. They are the standard elements identical to those in any typical electrical system. Solar power systems call for specific types of wiring. At Nassau National Cable, we have an extended collection of solar wire to choose from.
You can check previous installments of our solar power series to get more information about solar energy in your home. Click here for the basic info about solar power, read this blog about the differences between aluminum and copper photovoltaic cables, or visit this page to learn about the factors you need to consider when installing your first solar panel.
