solar

How does a off-grid home solar system work?

While the roots of solar energy go back to the 1700’s, the photovoltaic technology we still use today came from Bell Labs in 1954. In a relatively short time, solar panels have evolved rapidly and now offer increased efficiency at lower costs. Solar energy now powers commercial developments, homes, and even the International Space Station!

While solar panels may be the most visible part of a home solar system, there are several important components between the solar panels and a light bulb or appliance in your home.

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A typical home solar system contains the following components:

-Solar panels and racking

-Inverter

-Battery storage

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Solar Panel Racking

Although the solar panels are arguably the MVP (most valuable part) of any home solar system, the mounting system (also known as racking) is what attaches your panels to your roof. There are primarily two configurations, and the one your installer uses will depend on the type of roof you have.

Roof-penetrating solar racking has been used since the inception of solar. This type of mounting requires installers to drill holes in your roof to secure the racking system in place.

Roof-penetrating solar racking is better suited to traditional or composite asphalt rooftops.

Reputable installers will take great care in sealing the area around your racking equipment to prevent leaks; they should also provide you with a warranty that covers leakage.

Some installers may offer mounting options that attach directly to your roof, which are usually faster to install and more aesthetic.

Inverters

The inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity from your panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that your home’s appliances can use. There are three main types of inverters available, and the best one for your home depends on how your solar array is configured:

String inverters have been around the longest and are usually the most inexpensive option. This type of inverter is installed at ground level. With a string inverter, solar panels are wired in series, meaning all the solar panels are connected to the inverter and to each other. If a single solar panel fails, then it will likely cause the other connected solar panels to underperform.

Microinverters offer the latest technology and are ideal for complex solar installations, such as solar panels that face in different directions. Microinverters are installed behind each solar panel or integrated into the solar panel directly. With microinverters, each solar panel will operate independently.

String inverters with charge controller are
a hybrid between microinverters and string inverters. Each panel is connected to a charge controller that runs to a string inverter at ground level, allowing each panel to operate independently.

Battery Storage

For greater energy independence by storing solar production and the added security of a backup power source for essential appliances during grid outages3, consider adding a battery to your home solar system. The way your battery is linked, or “coupled,” to your solar system will depend onthe type of battery you use.