Technology We Use
Solar Panels
Solar panels work by harnessing the energy of sunlight and converting it into usable electricity. Here's a general overview of how solar panels work:
1. Sunlight hits the solar panels, which are made up of many individual photovoltaic (PV) cells.
2. The PV cells are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that absorb photons (particles of light) from the sun and release electrons, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electricity.
3. The DC electricity produced by the PV cells is sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power appliances and other electrical devices.
4. The AC electricity is sent to the home's electrical panel and distributed to the various appliances and electrical devices.
5. Any excess electricity generated by the solar panels can be sent back to the utility grid for use by others, and the homeowner may receive a credit on their electricity bill for the excess energy produced.
Solar panels can generate electricity as long as they receive sunlight, which makes them a reliable source of renewable energy. The amount of electricity that a solar panel can produce depends on a number of factors, including the size and efficiency of the panel, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the angle and orientation of the panel.
Inverter
A solar inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power appliances and other electrical devices in a home or building. Here's a general overview of how a solar inverter works:
1. DC electricity is generated by the solar panels and fed into the inverter.
2. The inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity that matches the voltage and frequency of the utility grid.
3. The AC electricity is sent to the main electrical panel in the home or building and distributed to the various appliances and electrical devices.
4. The inverter also monitors the electricity production of the solar panels and ensures that the system is operating safely and efficiently.
In addition to converting DC electricity into AC electricity, some solar inverters also include additional features such as energy monitoring, remote control, and grid integration capabilities. There are several different types of solar inverters available, including string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers, each with its own benefits and drawbacks depending on the specific needs of the solar energy system.
Battery
A solar battery, also known as a solar energy storage system, is a device that stores the excess electricity generated by a solar panel system during the day so that it can be used later when the solar panels are not generating enough electricity, such as during the night or on cloudy days. Here's a general overview of how a solar battery works:
-
During the day, when the solar panels are generating more electricity than is being used in the home, the excess electricity is sent to the solar battery.
-
The solar battery stores the excess electricity in chemical form, typically in lithium-ion batteries or other types of rechargeable batteries.
-
When the solar panels are not generating enough electricity, such as at night or on cloudy days, the stored electricity in the solar battery is used to power the home's electrical devices.
-
The solar battery can also provide backup power during power outages or other emergencies.
The use of a solar battery can help homeowners maximize the benefits of their solar panel system by allowing them to use the electricity they generate when it is most needed, rather than sending it back to the grid. In addition, solar batteries can help to reduce the demand on the electricity grid during times of peak usage, which can help to stabilize the grid and prevent blackouts. However, solar batteries can be expensive and may require additional equipment and installation costs, so homeowners should carefully consider their energy needs and the costs and benefits of a solar battery before investing in one.
Net Metering
Solar net metering is a billing arrangement that allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for any excess electricity they generate and send back to the utility grid. Here's a general overview of how solar net metering works:
1. When a homeowner with solar panels generates more electricity than they need, the excess electricity is sent back to the utility grid.
2. The utility company credits the homeowner for the excess electricity, typically at the same rate that the homeowner would pay for electricity from the grid.
3. When the homeowner uses electricity from the grid, such as during times when the solar panels are not generating enough electricity, the credits they earned from sending excess electricity back to the grid can be used to offset the cost of the electricity they use.
4. At the end of the billing period, if the homeowner has a surplus of credits, they may be able to carry them forward to the next billing period, or they may be paid out at a specified rate by the utility company.
Solar net metering is a way for homeowners with solar panels to save money on their electricity bills and increase the financial benefits of their solar energy systems. It also helps to promote the adoption of solar energy by providing incentives for homeowners to invest in solar panels. However, the availability and specific details of net metering programs can vary by location and utility company, so it's important to check with the local utility to understand the specific requirements and benefits of net metering in your area.