SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS

How do Solar Panel Systems works?

A solar panel system can make a significant difference in saving electricity and/or gas. You have probably seen solar panel systems on top of houses or businesses as they are becoming very popular. If you have not seen one yet (except on TV) than you may notice them next to busy roads (powering environmental monitoring equipment) or on the roofs of some petrol stations powering the pumps.

Solar panel systems convert solar energy into electricity. Solar panels are proven to conserve both electricity and our environment.

Each solar panel system is composed of several photovoltaic cells. These cells are interconnected to produce electricity. Solar cells are often connected by “ribbons” or arrays. These interconnected cells are sometimes assembled using the help of film modules.

Your solar panel system can either be connected to the power grid or use a backup battery. Either the local electricity grid or the battery receives any excess energy which is not immediately used by your household needs. The ability to store solar energy using battery backup or the option to draw additional power when needed from the local grid has greatly expanded the use of solar panel systems.

Solar panel systems contain no moving parts. Charger controllers better known as voltage regulators are needed in the solar panel system to keep the batteries charged with solar energy. The charger controllers will also make sure that the batteries will not be overcharged.

An electric solar panel system also includes an inverter. The inverter’s job is to convert the direct current (DC) generated by your solar panels into the alternating current (AC) used in your home. These inverters will turn the energy produced by your solar panels into the power used by your appliances and electric lights.

A thermal solar panel system used to heat hot water, comprises of the solar hot water panels themselves, as well as the hydraulic piping used to carry the heat into your home, and the hot water cylinder.