This article will explore the parts of a solar power (also know as a photovoltaic, or PV) system for your home. There are 3 parts to a PV system: The modules (solar panels), the mounting system, and the inverter.

SOLAR MODULES
The solar modules are where the energy is produced. When sunlight hits the silicon panels, electrons are loosened and an electric current is produced. This current is then harnessed and used to produce energy.

There are 4 kinds of solar modules that are available commercially:

Single crystal modules are the oldest, most effective… and most expensive. Their efficiencies range from 10-17%. They are the octagon-shaped modules you see on satellites and spacecraft.

Poly/Multicrystalline modules are the second most efficient, in the range of 9-14%. They are the blue-colored panels you see on the high-end residential solar panels.

String ribbon modules are significantly cheaper than the first two, but have a significant drop off in efficiency, usually 7-8%.

Thin film modules have a thin layer of silicon on top of glass or metal. They are very cheap to make, but their efficiency is usually around 5%. They are the kind of panel you see is solar powered calculators.

For more information on the costs and pricing of solar modules, check out this article on the cost of installing solar panels for your home.

MOUNTING SYSTEMS
The mounting system is a system that makes sure the modules are at an angle that optimizes the direct sunlight they receive, and as such optimize the energy they produce. Mounting systems can be complex (with computerized, automatic adjustments to maximize at every hour) to simple (a metal tray that holds the panels at the best angle on average). For simple mounting systems, as a rule of thumb you want your panels to be at an angle equal to your latitude in degree. So since New York is at 40 degrees latitude, you’d want your panels facing south at 40 degrees to optimize the sunlight you receive.

INVERTERS
The inverter converts the current produced by your modules from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). AC is easier to transport over large distances using power lines than DC is. Because of this, the system was built to send and receive AC, and it’s what our household appliances are built to use. Solar modules produce DC, so an inverter is needed to change is to AC and make it useable.

Good luck and stay prepared!

Read more from RamboMoe at Preparedforthat.com.

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