Powering Up With Solar Power Products

Understanding Solar Power

Whether you’re checking out solar products for your home or planning a large commercial project, our energy efficiency experts are here for you. Here are some of the questions we hear regularly.

• How is electricity produced from the sun?

  Solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight to energy. In other words, solar panels absorb heat from the sun and convert it to electrical energy that you can use to power your home or building. The charge creates a direct electric current, and an inverter converts the current to alternating current, the type of electricity that brews your coffee in the morning.

  Solar panels are also called modules, and they are formed by individual PV cells that are quite small and don’t produce a lot of electricity on their own. Modules can also be connected to create entire solar arrays.

  Depending on needs, solar module arrays can be designed and built to provide electricity to a single residence through a rooftop mount or produce electricity for entire communities on solar farms.

  Most installations use monofacial panels, where the semiconductor material is on one side of the module. Bifacial solar modules use both sides of the panel; these are often ground-mounted but can be roof-mounted with the right installation method.

• What are the components of a solar power system?

  A solar power system includes: 

  • Monofacial or bifacial solar modules

  • Solar racking, either roof or ground mount, to hold the panels
  • A disconnect switch that can isolate the solar system from the electrical grid for maintenance and repairs
  • A solar inverter that converts direct current to alternating current
  • Solar power storage batteries that can be used for off-grid systems or to simply store excess power
  • When batteries are used, hybrid solar inverters are needed to manage both roles of solar inverters and battery inverters
  • Solar energy monitoring and load management products can also be included

   

• What are the effects of cloudy and rainy days?

  Although clouds, rain, and fog all impact the amount of electricity generated, your system can continue to produce power at a reduced rate.

• Are there times when solar won’t work?

  If your system is connected to the grid, it will shut off during a blackout to prevent injury to emergency responders and power crews. Also, although snow typically slides right off, snow accumulations can prevent electricity production.

• Can I eliminate my electric bill with solar?

  It depends. To fully eliminate that monthly expense, you need sufficient battery storage and to remove your property from the grid. Even if you aren’t off-grid, you can substantially reduce your cost, potentially even to $0 or a low monthly connection fee, assuming you choose to remain connected to the grid.

• Is solar power right for me?

  Solar is a good choice for nearly everyone, and using solar power is a great way to invest in your home instead of your utility company. Whether your goal is to decrease ongoing energy costs or build a more sustainable lifestyle, solar is part of what we call the 4-step process to energy independence. 
  
  We recommend contacting a licensed, pre-screened local installer. They’ll look at the steepness, shading, and size of your roof to determine if a roof mount or ground mount system will work best for you. That information, combined with an analysis of your electric usage, will allow them to design the right system.

• What type of solar system do I need?

  While looking over your property, an installer will also take a look at your historical energy usage to make sure your solar system meets your needs. Most residential modules range from 350 to 455W, but a professional installer will design a system that best fits you and your home or building.

  
  Using Tier-1 brand solar modules, like the VSUN and Mission Solar that we carry at Supplied Energy, will give you confidence in your system.