A solar panel system is composed of several key components that work together to capture sunlight, convert it into electricity, and distribute that electricity for use. Here are the main components:
1. Solar Panels: Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of many individual photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are typically composed of semiconductor materials like silicon.
2. Inverter: A solar inverter, also known as a PV inverter, is a crucial component of a solar power system. Its primary function is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the standard form of electricity used by most household appliances and the electrical grid.
3. Mounting System: A solar mounting system is a structure used to secure solar panels in place, ensuring they are positioned optimally to capture sunlight and remain stable and secure under various environmental conditions.
- 1 The sun provides free, direct energy in the form of sunlight every day.
- 2 The Solar panels capture the sunlight during the day and converts it into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
- 3 The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter.
- 4 The converted AC electricity is used to power electrical devices in your home or business. Any excess electricity generated can be fed back into the electrical grid (if the system is grid-tied) or stored in batteries for later use (if the system includes battery storage).
- 5 If the system is connected to the grid, net metering allows you to send excess electricity back to the grid and receive credits on your electricity bill. When your system doesn’t produce enough electricity (e.g., at night), you can use the credits to draw electricity from the grid.
- 6 Solar power systems typically require minimal maintenance. Monitoring systems can track the performance and efficiency of the solar panels, ensuring they are operating correctly.
