Solar Power Systems

Solar Power for Homes: How Does a Solar Panel System Work?

how a solar power system works
How a home solar panel system works in 4 steps
  1. Solar cells convert photons to electricity: All photovoltaic solar power systems like the traditional solar panels, BiPV solar shingles and tiles, and thin-film solar laminates contain photovoltaic solar cells designed to convert solar energy to electricity. When the sun shines, the energy carried by the photons gets absorbed by the solar cells that convert it to direct current (DC) electricity.
  2. Inverter converts direct (DC) current to alternating current (AC): All rooftop solar panel systems are normally connected to an inverter by a licensed electrician during the installation. The inverter inverts (converts) the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which is the kind of electricity people use in their homes.
  3. Alternating current flows through the electric panel into your home: Alternating current from the inverter flows through the electric panel (circuit breaker box) into your home, powering things like home lighting and appliances.
  4. Any unused electricity gets sent back to the electric grid: Any excess electricity that is not used domestically, passes through the electric meter and gets sent back to the grid, usually for electricity credits via net metering.

Net Metering: If you live in one of the 41 states that have adopted Net Metering rules, you can sell any excess solar-generated electricity back to the local electric grid for credits.

Read more

Tesla Solar Roof Shingles vs. Traditional Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

Tesla has become a household name in many parts of the world, and you have probably read or heard about their solar roof shingles. They can be described as miniature photovoltaic panels that look more like the traditional asphalt shingles, and many homeowners prefer this look.

via Tesla SolarRoof

If you’re trying to decide between a Tesla solar roof and a traditional solar panel system, this buying guide will help you compare both options.

First, there is a very important difference between solar roof shingles and conventional solar panels.

  • Solar roof shingles are the combination of two products. They serve as a roof for your home, but they also generate electricity.
  • Solar panels are separate components that are installed on top of your roof, using the right type of racking system.

This difference has a very important implication for homeowners. Solar panels can be installed on almost any roof, as long as the structure is capable of carrying their weight. However, you replace your existing roof completely when using Tesla solar shingles, and this makes the project more expensive.

Based on upfront costs and return on investment, traditional solar panels are the recommended option for most homeowners. However, a Tesla solar roof can make sense financially if you’re planning to build a new home with solar panels, since you haven’t spent on a roof yet and you have the chance to combine two building elements.

Solar roof shingles are also viable economically if you have an old roof that will need replacement soon. Just keep in mind that delivery times can be long, due to the growing popularity of Tesla products in general.

Of course, personal preference is also important when deciding between different products. Installing a Tesla solar roof is a great option if you don’t like the appearance of solar panels, or if you’re loyal to the brand and prefer their products. However, keep in mind that Tesla also installs traditional solar panels as an alternative to solar tiles, and their price tag is much lower.

Read more

How to Choose the Best Solar Panel Brand and Installation Company

A solar power system offers a guaranteed return on investment, but only if you use high-quality products installed by professionals. Remember that solar panels are electrical devices, and they need adequate wiring and protections like any other system with voltage and current.

LG solar panels on a snowy rooftop of a two story house with a gable roof via LG Solar

Also, consider that solar panels are intended to operate for decades, and they need a reliable racking system that resists high winds and other harsh weather conditions.

Before installing solar panels for a home or business, a very important step is choosing your product brands and installation company. Keep in mind that solar panels are only one part of a functional photovoltaic system, and you need to ensure that all components are safe and durable.

For example, you need a high-quality inverter to convert the output of solar panels into a stable AC voltage supply, and you need a tough racking system to hold the modules in place.

In this guide, we will provide some recommendations when choosing solar panels, inverters, and other system components. We will also discuss what to look for when comparing solar installers, to ensure that all elements of your PV system are properly installed.

The last thing you would want is purchasing a top solar panel brand, only to have your warranty voided by a poor installation procedure.

Read more