About Solar
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Solar explained
Solar can be very confusing and even daunting for the everyday person. With so many questions and so many different sources of information. What size system do I need? How many panels, how many batteries, what size inverter? How do inverters work? We are experts, let's explain the basics.
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MAKING IT SIMPLE
Let's learn the basics
What is solar?
Solar power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the sun's radiation and converts it into electricity or thermal energy. Here's a simple explanation of how it works:
- Solar panels: These are made up of many individual solar cells, typically composed of silicon or other semiconductor materials.
- Photovoltaic effect: When sunlight hits the solar cells, it creates an electrical field and causes electrons to move, generating direct current (DC) electricity.
- Inverter: The DC electricity produced by the solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter, which is the type of electricity used in homes and businesses.
- Grid connection: In most cases, the AC electricity from the solar power system is fed into the local electrical grid, allowing households or businesses to offset their electricity consumption from the grid.
- Net metering: In some areas, when a solar power system produces more electricity than is needed, the excess can be sent back to the grid, and the utility company will provide credits or compensation for the excess electricity.
- Battery storage: Some solar power systems include batteries to store excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight.
The key advantages of solar power are that it is a renewable and clean energy source, with no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and it can provide electricity in areas with abundant sunlight. The initial installation costs of solar power systems have also been decreasing, making it an increasingly viable option for residential and commercial use.
What's off-grid?
Off-grid solar power systems are designed to operate independently from the main electrical grid. These systems are typically used in remote areas where traditional grid-based electricity is not available or in situations where you want to be self-sufficient and not rely on the grid.
Off-grid solar power systems are designed to be self-sufficient and independent from the utility grid. They are often used in remote cabins, RVs, boats, or in areas where extending power lines from the grid is impractical or expensive. However, they require careful sizing and planning to ensure that the system can meet the energy needs of the household or application, and they often require maintenance, such as periodic battery replacement.
What's grid-tied?
A grid-tied solar system, also known as an on-grid or utility-interactive solar system, is a type of solar power system that is connected to the local utility grid.
The main advantage of a grid-tied system is that it eliminates the need for expensive battery storage, as the grid acts as a virtual battery. Additionally, any excess electricity generated can be sold back to the utility company, offsetting the cost of electricity drawn from the grid.
Grid-tied systems are typically more cost-effective than off-grid systems and are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. However, they remain dependent on the utility grid, so a power outage in the grid will also disrupt the solar system's operation unless it is paired with a battery backup.
What's a backup system?
An inverter and battery power backup system is a common type of power backup solution, often used in residential and commercial settings.
When the primary utility power is available, it powers the loads (appliances, lights, etc.) in the building and simultaneously charges the battery bank through a battery charger.
During a power outage, the inverter detects the loss of utility power and automatically switches to drawing energy from the battery bank. The inverter converts the DC power from the batteries into AC power, which is then distributed to the critical loads connected to the backup system.