Everyone has seen solar panels on a person’s roof before. They usually can assume that person’s invested in a solar system, but are unaware of all the remote area solar components that make up the system. IF considering the investment of a solar power system, the first move should be to become educated on all the elements necessary to build it.
Check out this quick guide to remote area solar power components so that when working with contractors the terms used will be familiar and a better deal can be struck.
The Panels
PV are the most common type of solar panel in home installations. When it comes to knowing about panels, knowing what they’re made of is key. They’re composed of three layers:
• The N Layer – A mix of silicon and phosphorus
• The P/N Junction – Only silicon
• The P Layer – Boron and silicon mixture
When the beams of the sun hit the N-Layer, electrons are let loose. They then move through the P/N junction and into the P Layer. An electrical field is created that becomes an electric current when the electrons are knocked from the silicon; and we have power!
About the Battery
Not every solar power system houses a battery, but some of those that produce a greater amount of electricity than necessary for the structure they are mounted on rely on a battery to store extra energy. It can be used on those rainy and dark days when the panels aren’t producing much power.
The Inverter
Anyone that knows the principles of physics is aware that an electric current that’s generated in this manner is considered a DC or direct current, which is similar to the electricity that’s stored inside of batteries. However, electricity is alternating current, where the flow changes direction at a rate of 50 times per second.
To make the electricity supplied by solar power suitable for use in domestic homes, a remote area solar power component is needed that does the job of converting DC current to AC current; this is the inverter.
The Distributor
The remote area solar power component that distributes the AC power made from the inverter, which is then sent to the grid, and sometimes to both the home where the system is installed as well as the grid, is the distributor. Inverter output is sent quickly to a dedicated breaker within the home’s electric panel, and then straight to the home. When more power is made than what is used, a portion of the power moves backwards and into the grid. At this point, the homeowner gets a credit from the utility company. If the system is not giving off enough energy for the home, then the difference is made up by the power company.
These are the basic remote area solar power components of any solar energy system, and as anyone can tell, solar power is not a very complex system for energy. Basically, the cells of the panel make a DC current, the inverter changes that current to an AC current, and the distributor controls the way that power is distributed between your home and your utilities supplier.
Aligning with a professional solar components dealer is of the utmost importance. Be sure they have plenty of experience and will give a complimentary quote in which they’ll assess the house in question and explain in detail if necessary the benefits that will be gained. Ask about warranties on both product and installation, and always get references.
With all this knowledge anyone can switch to using remote area solar power components and reap the benefits that come along with making the jump.