What Are Solar Panels and How Do They Work?

Solar systems have emerged as an effective solution to climate change. They are a clean energy source that produces electricity from the sky and helps reduce carbon emissions. People are increasingly switching to this incredible energy source to save the environment and cut energy costs. If you, too, have plans to make a switch, you must know basic details about solar power systems and how they work for informed decision-making.

Understanding Solar Panels

Solar panels are part of a solar system. They have photovoltaic (PV) cells that transform solar energy into electricity. Hence, these cells are the key elements of the system. When sunlight hits them, it causes the electrons in the cells to move, creating a flow of direct current (DC), which is further converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter. Then, an electric panel disperses the electricity to your home.

Solar panel installation in Maine is not just confined to residents; commercial and industrial settings are also installing these systems to lower environmental impact and energy bills.

Key Components Of Solar Systems:

A complete understanding of the system’s components is crucial to selecting the right system and its maintenance. Know the key parts:

Solar (Photovoltaic) Panels: These devices have PC cells, which are also known as the main power generators. They create current through the photovoltaic effect.

Inverter: As the cells can only produce Direct current (DC), the system needs an inverter that can convert this current into the alternating current (AC) that many home appliances use.

Solar Battery Storage (Optional): The system can be equipped with a battery to save extra energy needed during a power outage and at night.

Electrical Panel & Net Metering: An electrical panel distributes electricity throughout the home, and net metering sends extra energy to the grid.

Monitoring System: Tracking the system’s performance is also essential to address the problems quickly and maintain overall health.

Science Behind The Solar Panels

The following pointers contain a breakdown of the solar panel working system.

Sunlight hits the panels, and electricity is produced through the Photovoltaic effect.
The electricity is in Direct Current form and needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) through an inverter.
An electric panel distributes this energy into your home, ensuring a managed electricity flow.
Extra energy can be stored in batteries.
Net metering is used to send extra energy, allowing you to receive credits.
Monitor the performance for the optimal use of the system and proper maintenance.

Three Main Types Of The Solar System

Make sure to understand the following three types of systems comprehensively to decide what kind of system you need:

Grid-tied (Grid-connected) Systems

In this, you connect the solar system to the grid, which enables you to send extra energy to the utility companies. Employing these systems leads to earning credits and compensation to reduce your electricity bills.

Off-grid Systems

These systems are installed in locations with no access to the grid. The batteries save the extra energy, making the system completely independent. However, fulfilling the energy demands is challenging when a fully capable storage system is not installed.

Hybrid Systems

Opting for a hybrid system allows you to enjoy the benefits of both types mentioned above. The system is an excellent combination of grid-tied and battery systems, helping you earn credits and reducing your reliance on the grid by storing extra energy in batteries.

Solar System Installation Overview

Installing these solar systems in your home is easy; however, assistance from the professionals offering solar panel services is still required. If you want to use them optimally, ensure you have a properly installed system. Let’s take an overview of the solar system installation through the following pointers:

The experts will assess your energy needs and a suitable area for installation.
They will select the most suitable system.
An accurate system design will be created.
They will also seek permits, approvals, and rebates.
The system will be installed within two or three days.
An inspection will be conducted by the local authorities.
After the inspection, you can activate the system.

Benefits Of The Solar System

Explore the advantages of installing these systems in your home and commercial properties.

Environmentally Friendly

Producing energy through the photovoltaic effect results in no carbon emissions and noise pollution. Thus, solar systems are an eco-friendly source of energy.

Low Energy Bills

Using a solar system reduces your dependence on the grid. The reduced reliance on the grid and net metering will lead to lower energy bills.

Speedy Home Sales

A home equipped with solar panels holds greater market value for house-buying companies, as they view it as a long-term investment that reduces both environmental impact and utility costs.

Easy Maintenance

As you will be given a system to track the system’s efficiency, problems can be addressed quickly and easily. Moreover, the system doesn’t require high maintenance.

Earn credits

Send extra energy to the grid, and get credits to lower your energy bill in the future. This is, somewhere, similar to selling energy.

The Challenges And Considerations

Despite being extremely beneficial, the system has a few challenges, such as:

Compromised Efficiency During Bad Weather

Solar systems require the Sun’s energy, which is freely available, to produce electricity. Without the Sun, the system’s efficiency can be compromised.

Space Requirements

Solar systems are installed only after assessing whether the area is sufficient and suitable for installing the system.

Grid Overloading

Sending extra energy to the grid can cause it to overload. Addressing this problem requires additional efforts and devices, such as curtailment, grid modernization, smart Inverters, etc.

Conclusion

Installing a solar system in your home is a worthwhile investment that will last a long time. The system is a solution to lower the environmental impact, too. Utilizing the Sun’s abundant energy will result in low carbon emissions and lower energy bills.

Request a Custom Solar Plan for Your Home Today!