Components of a Home's Solar Energy System

by Kevin Smith Author

A solar energy system is operated through a complex process of collecting sunlight, converting it into power, and storing it for later use. Here are some of the most vital components that you need for your home.

Solar Panels and Special Array Racks

Commonly installed on roofs, solar panels are the most noticeable part of the whole system. They collect the sunlight that'll be converted into electricity for the home. They're dark bluish in color and made of silicon.

Special array racks are used to mount them on the roof and keep them from sliding down. There are two types that are often used: fixed and tracking.

Fixed racks have a preset height and angle and can't be moved. They're easier to install and mostly found in homes with steep roofs.

Tracking racks are the latest versions. They use advanced computer systems that move the panels to automatically follow the position of the sun. This allows for optimum collection of solar energy. They're more common in modern houses with roofs that are almost parallel to the ground.

Inverter

A vital part of the system, inverters are installed inside homes. Without them, powering up your electronic devices won't be possible.

The panels produce direct current (DC) type of electricity. But most appliances are powered through alternating current (AC). A solar inverter is required to convert DC to AC for homeowners to fully utilize the energy gathered from the sun.

Batteries and Charge Controller

Solar power systems collect energy at daytime when the sun is out and shining. During this time, batteries store electricity for use at night and when it's cloudy or rainy.

A charge controller, on the other hand, is needed during extremely hot days. It ensures that your batteries won't overheat due to a surge in the amount of energy that they store.

Power Meter or Backup Generator

You need a power meter if only a portion of your home relies on solar energy. This device measures the wattage that you get from the utility grid. It's also required if you want to sell excess electricity that your system collected.

On the other hand, a backup generator is highly necessary if your home isn't tied to any utility grid. It's used to provide power in case your battery runs out during cloudy or rainy days. Don't worry about the environmental effects, though. Some units can be operated using renewable biodiesel instead of gasoline.

Each of these components play a vital role in powering up your home. Aside from the panels on the roof, batteries and a solar inverter are needed for this renewable energy system to fully function.