Solar power is an environmentally-friendly renewable energy source.
Every hour, sunlight streams down from the Sun into our atmosphere – enough energy to supply all of humanity with electricity for one year!
Solar technologies convert sunlight to electrical or thermal (heat) energy using photovoltaic cells or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.
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Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells, commonly referred to as PV or solar cells, transform sunlight into electricity and can power calculators, watches, road signs and satellites.
Solar cells are composed of two layers of silicon that have been treated to create an electric field; one layer has a net positive charge while the other has one that is net negative.
Light energy strikes a solar cell and causes its electrons to be “loosened up.” They then travel around in its surrounding electric field until captured by conductors attached on both sides of the semiconductor material.
These electrons can then be transported via electrical wires to a PV inverter, which converts their energy into usable electricity that is stored in a battery as excess power.
Photovoltaic Arrays
Solar energy is produced through photovoltaic cells connected by wires to each other in modules or arrays, which convert sunlight into direct current electricity that is then inverted by an inverter into usable alternating current (AC).
PV arrays can be used to power various applications; for instance, satellites orbiting Earth are powered by PV arrays.
However, PV arrays can also be used to produce energy for residential homes and businesses; when this occurs, any surplus electricity generated is sold back to the utility provider.
Shaded areas can significantly decrease the output of PV installations due to blocking sun rays from reaching their solar cells and producing electricity.
Shade can cause major efficiency loss for solar arrays by decreasing output and production capabilities. Therefore, to achieve maximum output from their PV array, PV arrays should never be placed under trees or buildings that create shaded environments.
Inverters
Inverters convert DC electricity from your solar panels into AC (alternating current) power that’s ready for use, by rapidly switching back and forth the direction of DC input.
These switches are constructed using transistors – solid state devices without moving parts – making them much more reliable than their mechanical predecessors.
Solar inverters are essential components of your solar energy system, helping control and monitor solar panels while connecting with the grid, as well as performing functions such as battery monitoring.
Solar inverters come in various sizes and outputs depending on how much power your solar panel array produces. A popular size for residential applications is 4,000 watts; larger systems may be necessary in order to account for module degradation or maximize utility sell back rates.
No matter which inverter you select, it is crucial to understand its limits. Most inverters feature a maximum surge rating that dictates the maximum power they can deliver for short bursts – typically seconds in duration with pumping systems and refrigerators (compressors).
Net Metering
Net metering (commonly referred to as net energy metering or NEM) allows homeowners to connect excess solar electricity back into the grid for use against monthly power bills – potentially saving tens of thousands in utility costs over its lifespan.
As soon as the sun shines, your solar panels begin generating electricity, but since you aren’t using all of it yourself, it goes back into the grid and can help offset future electric bills. You receive a credit for this energy that can help offset future bills.
Your credits will appear on your monthly bill and will automatically apply when you consume more energy than what your solar panels generate. They may even carry over from month to month depending on your utility’s true-up policy – helping lower electric bills even during dark winter months when solar production may drop significantly.