The word has two parts: photo, meaning light, and volt, a power potential measurement unit named after Alessandro Volta a pioneer in the study of electricity. Thus photovoltaic literally translates to light-electricity.
What is solar electricity?
Solar electric technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar energy is possible anytime sunlight is evident, but more electricity is produced with more intense and direct sunlight radiation.
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels are mostly silicon based, a material that is a great absorber of light and energy. The solar light excites the free electrons in the solar panels and DC(direct current) electricity is created. The electricity that is created in the solar panel travels through the panel’s wires to the inverter, which converts the DC power to applicable and usable AC power.
What are the components of a solar system?
The major components of a solar system installation include solar panels, an inverter, wiring, combiner box, and wiring system. A “solar array” is the arrangement of numerous solar modules, connected via a wiring network. The number of solar modules determines the amount of power that will be produced by the system. The combiner box allows for the wires to safely be routed in an orderly manner. The inverter’s function is converting the DC power, or Direct Current, into usable AC power, or Alternating Current.
What determines the size of a solar energy system?
Several factors determine the size of a solar energy system. To determine the appropriate solar installation to best match your needs, the following must be considered: how much electricity you use, how much sunshine is available at your location, the size of your roof, how much you are willing to invest, and the government incentives that are available for you to install a solar energy system.
Will my system work at night?
No, solar power cannot generate energy at night as sunlight must be present for your solar modules to produce power. At night, you draw power from your utility.
Will my system work on cloudy days?
Yes, your system will work on cloudy days, but it will produce less electricity. Through an overcast sky, panels produce approximately half as much as under full sun.
Are batteries necessary?
Batteries add about thirty percent to the cost of an installation causing them to be an expense and an unnecessary addition to most installations. Batteries are necessary in an off-grid installation most commonly utilized in remote locations without any utility power.
What factors are considered when determining a system’s layout?
A comprehensive roof analysis and site assessment is conducted prior to installation. Many factors are considered to maximize your installation’s efficiency including, average electrical consumption of the facility, location of the building, structural and natural surroundings, climate, roof angle, and shading.
What happens if snow covers my solar panels?
After a snow storm, when the sun comes out, the solar radiation penetrates the snow and heats up the collector melting the snow from the bottom up.
Is a building permit required to install a solar energy system on my home?
Yes, you will need to obtain building permits to install. Similarly, building, electrical, and plumbing codes also apply. Solar contractors include the price for permits into their cost estimate.
If I sell my property, will my solar installation have an effect on the sale price?
According to the Appraisal Journal in the October 1998 article, “Evidence of Rational Market Valuations for Home Energy Efficiency,” a home’s value is increased by $20,000 for every $1,000 reduction in annual operating costs from energy efficiency (Nevin, Rick et al).
How old should my roof be to install PV?
Ideally it should be a new roof, or at least have enough to survive as long as your panels. Your installer or roofer would be best to make this assessment.
What is a solar tracker?
A solar tracker increases the effectiveness of solar energy designed to follow the sun’s position as it varies both with the seasons and time of day as the sun moves across the sky.
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