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Unlocking the Potential of Solar Power: Exploring the Components of a Solar Power System

When you are looking at getting a solar power system, it is about more than just getting a solar panel or two. You don’t want to go in with no information, or you may find that you miss important factors or get a type of system that doesn’t work.

While your installer will handle getting all of the parts, it is still important for homeowners to understand at least the basics of the technology so they understand the way it works, the maintenance requirements, the cost, and things like a storage or MMPT option.

So, let’s look at the solar energy system requirements and how they work together, so you can understand the structure, performance, and energy production. So when something goes wrong, you know what to do. 

What Are the Main Components of a Solar System?

There are six main components of a solar system. 

Solar Panels

Solar panels are the most basic part of the solar system. This is the part that is most visible, and that most people think of when they think of solar. They usually get mounted to your roof or on an array near the house. Sometimes, there are portable ones too, often called suitcase solar panels. 

solar panels on the roof

There are different wattages of solar panels and different kinds. There are three main kinds of solar panels, which are polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin film. Each has its pros and cons that make them better for someone’s needs. 

This also determines how much power the user gets. The more wattage that your solar panels have, the more power you can bring in. 

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels and how they work may seem complicated. When you get down into the details, it can be, as it involves a lot of science. But really, it is just the movement of electrons that creates electricity. 

Sunlight hits the panel and the panel starts to absorb the sunlight. The photovoltaic cells (PV) in the panels start to produce electricity. They work because of the two differently charged layers of silicon.

These layers are set into motion when the sunlight hits them and the electrons come loose from the silicon. This movement is what creates electricity. 

Inverters

Inverters are a largely overlooked, but very important part of having a solar system. Solar panels turn sunlight into DC or direct current power. This is similar to what your car uses. However, homes run on AC or alternating current. 

Think about when you are in a car. You can’t just plug in a normal phone charger, it has to be a specific charger. Same with other things, like a computer, tablets, or anything else. If you want to plug a standard household item into a car for use or to charge, you have to buy an adapter. 

An inverter is essentially a big adapter that changes the power for you so that it will work with your household. The size of the inverter also matters as it determines the amount of power you can use at once in your home. 

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Performance Monitoring System

How Do Solar Inverters Work?

Solar inverters work to change the DC power to AC power. Essentially, it takes the power and runs it through a transformer. It almost tricks the transformer into thinking that the DC power is AC because it forces DC power to flow similarly to AC power.

This also allows for use of outlets that have grounding properties for extra safety. 

There are five main types of solar inverters:

  • Battery inverters
  • Central inverters
  • String inverters
  • Microinverters
  • Hybrid inverters

Racks and Mounts

Racks and mounts are just basic parts of installing anything. They are what help to hold the solar panels on the roof. This is the most basic part of the whole system, but it is essential to get them right. Incorrectly installed solar panels can become damaged. 

Ecological green energy solar panels plant mounted on the ground

Mounting also sets up solar panels at an angle. If you’ve seen panels on people’s homes, you may have noticed that they aren’t all flat on the roof. Sometimes, they are set up at an angle. This is because certain angles allow for the best sunlight throughout the day. 

Finding a good installer will help to make sure that any rack and mount are installed correctly, and that you are getting the most out of your system. There are three main types of mounts, which are ground, roof, and pole. 

Though not technically a component of this part of the installation, another important thing to think about is wiring. You want to make sure that you have the size so that the conduit works correctly.

Wiring also connects the breakers to the rest of the system. Making sure you have breakers that work properly is important for safety as it allows for a disconnect switch if something goes wrong or starts to work improperly. 

Solar Power Meter

A solar power meter is an optional part of a solar system. We recommend it for people traveling or off-grid that have no backup power. But if you are connected to the grid, it isn’t as necessary. Essentially, this just allows you to see how much power you are getting to your home from your solar panels. 

It lets you understand how your solar panels are doing, and allows you to see when something is wrong with your solar panels. For example, if a cord is loose, or something is faulty, you can tell because the power from the panels isn’t getting to your home, or the amount is less than normal. 

Solar Batteries

Not every system needs batteries. It depends on what your goal is for your system. Batteries and installation are often your two highest costs, so being able to omit them is beneficial sometimes. 

battleborn soalr battery

If you are wanting to be off-grid or mobile, such as with an RV, then you will want a battery pack. The batteries store your excess solar power so that you can still have power, even after the sun is down. 

A general rule of thumb, if you aren’t connected to the grid, is to get batteries big enough to power the basics for three days in case of an emergency. 

However, if you are still tied back to the grid, the excess power goes back to them, and you get discounts or money back for the energy they take and you don’t use. Then, you would pull from the grid at times when the sun didn’t provide you enough power. 

MPPT Charge Controller

An MPPT (maximum power point tracking) charge controller is a system that converts DC to DC. This allows a better match between the DC coming in from the solar panels and the DC that the battery bank or utility grid needs. 

It essentially regulates the voltage of your system, to make sure it is ideal for every component as it moves from one part of the system to another. Most systems run on 12 volts, but the demands for different parts of the system can fluctuate anywhere between 7 volts and 15 volts, so the MPPT just helps stop any surges or drastic changes. 

This is also important in hot or cold weather as the temperature can affect the voltage quite a bit. 

FAQ

What does a solar panel system look like?

A solar panel system typically consists of several photovoltaic (PV) panels, an inverter, a battery system (in some cases), and a panel for monitoring and controlling the system. The PV panels are typically mounted on a roof, or the ground and are used to convert sunlight into electricity.

The inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the PV panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what is used in most homes and businesses. The battery system, if present, stores excess solar energy for use when the sun is not shining.

The monitoring and control panel allows the homeowner or business owner to track the solar panel system’s performance and make any necessary adjustments. Overall, a solar panel system can vary in size and appearance, depending on the specific needs and goals of the user.

When was the first time solar energy was used?

Humans had used solar energy to light fires since the 7th century B.C. when they used magnifying glasses to focus sunlight onto tinder. In the 3rd century B.C., the Greeks and Romans harnessed solar power by using mirrors to illuminate torches at religious ceremonies.

What does AC mean in solar?

AC, or alternating current, refers to the type of electrical current that is used to power homes and businesses. In the context of solar energy systems, AC refers to the type of electrical current that is generated by the solar panels and sent to the inverter.

The inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity, which is the type of electricity that can be used by most household appliances and devices.

How much energy will a 5kw solar system produce?

A 5 kW solar system is expected to produce an average of around 6,500 kWh of electricity per year, depending on location and weather conditions. This is equivalent to about 550-600 kWh per month or 18-20 kWh per day on average.

It is important to note that the actual energy production will vary based on factors such as the angle and orientation of the panels, the amount of sunlight the panels receive, and the efficiency of the system. To get a more accurate estimate of how much energy a 5 kW solar system will produce in your specific location, it is recommended to consult with a solar installer or use an online solar panel calculator.

How to study about solar energy?

To study about solar energy, you can start by learning about the basic principles of solar energy and how it is produced. This can involve understanding the photovoltaic effect, which is the process by which sunlight is converted into electricity.

You can also learn about the different types of solar panels and how they work, as well as the various applications of solar energy in homes, businesses, and industries. You can also look into the benefits and challenges of solar energy and how it compares to other forms of renewable energy.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of solar energy, you may want to consider taking a course or earning a degree in a related field, such as renewable energy or electrical engineering.