Solar Energy 101
Solar Energy Systems Custom Tailored to Your Needs
Chances are you have seen solar panels on the roofs of local homes and businesses, yet you probably do not understand exactly how they function. Solar energy systems harness the UV energy from the sun through the photovoltaic cells inside of the solar panels. Photovoltaic’s can be broken down into its root word of photo and voltaic. Photo means light while voltaic means electric.
Solar Photovoltaic Systems or PV for short are designed to convert particles of light, dubbed photons, into direct current (DC) electricity that powers a home or business. However, this is not a direct source of power as DC electricity must be converted into AC through specialized equipment.
Solar panels must be directly connected to inverters in order to function properly. Inverters are quite powerful, serving as the metaphorical brains of the comprehensive system. In short, inverters convert DC power to AC electricity. AC electricity moves from the inverter to the electrical breaker to power the appliances and other items that require electricity. Inverters have advanced to the point that they are now capable of transmitting data. In fact, solar energy systems can be optimized to transmit extra power to the utility company through the process known as net metering or transmit it to solar batteries for use in an emergency setting.
Direct Current
Alternative Current
Electrical System
Additional Facets of Solar Energy
If you are questioning if solar energy is optimal for your home or business, you have likely performed some research and stumbled on at least a couple unclear terms. As an example, you will find the term “net metering” used in online content pertaining to solar energy. Net metering is an incentive provided by states that permits the storage of additional electricity generated through solar power so it can be used as a future credit on your electric bill.
This credit is provided by the local utility provider. There will be times when the solar energy system generates more electricity than is absolutely necessary. This excess power can be used when the sky is cloudy as well as during the evening hours.
If the solar energy system is linked to the utility company’s grid, the inverter transmits extra energy to the utility company for use at a later point in time. “Later use” is a credit on the bill that is used when additional power is necessary. It is quite possible your monthly electric bill will end up being slightly more than $10 as a result. Let our team take a look at your home, review its consumption, measure the available space and we will give you an idea of the amount of power that can be replaced with the addition of solar energy panels.
How to Tell if Solar is Right for Your Home or Business
In short, solar energy systems are optimal for homes and businesses of all types and sizes. However, those who own a single-family home and those who do not belong to a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) that mandates group approval for home improvements, should be especially inclined to add solar panels.
However, those who own a condominium residence or are a part of a HOA can also add solar panels. Though HOA members might not have exclusive rights to the roof, it is possible to obtain approval for the addition of solar panels from the HOA board. Our team has worked with numerous clients, making it easy to comply with HOA requirements. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help you add solar panels to your living space.
If your home, business, or other building receives an abundance of sun, you will find solar panels work quite well. However, even if your roof does not receive sunlight throughout the entirety of the day, your property is still eligible for a solar panel installation. The best-case scenario is a home with a roof that faces the south, east or west. Furthermore, a roof with minimal (or no) obstructions such as skylights or chimneys, will be a perfect candidate for solar. Though there is the potential for tall trees to get in the way of sunlight, our team can quickly and easily review your property to determine if solar panels are optimal for your home or business.
