Solar Power Systems-New Technology
Whether you’re looking for off the grid living or possibly just something to help you reduce the cost of electricity in your home solar power systems fit any range of need you might have. Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most cost-effective ways to power your home, camper, and numerous other things. Switching over to solar power can often be daunting though because it’s unfamiliar to most people, but the system is rather simple and often requires less maintenance than most people think. Contrary to belief, you do not have to be an engineer to run and maintain a solar power system.
How It Works
Solar power is much less complicated than it seems at first glance[1]. Essentially when photons from the sun hit solar cells, electrons are broken away from atoms. If you have wires attached to the negative and positive sides of the solar cells this produces an electric current. The direct current can be changed to alternating current through the use of an inverter. Now, the one requirement for solar power systems is hardware. You’re going to need solar panels, converters, inverters, and other things like cabinets or electric enclosures, battery enclosures, and junctions and pull boxes.
Our electrical grid in the U.S. runs off of alternating current. Solar power produces electricity in direct current. The inverter takes this direct current and changes it into alternating current. There are a couple of different types of solar inverters. The ones that are in common use are known as central inverters. Central inverters take the power from an entire Solar Power System and convert it into alternating current. Micro inverters are becoming more common to use. Micro-inverters change the power to AC from each individual panel rather than the system as a whole.
Controls and Inverters for a solar power system can be stored in a cabinet or electrical enclosure to ensure it is kept safe from the elements. Of course, there are a variety of enclosures, though many factors should be taken into account before deciding. When dealing with the elements, stainless steel or aluminum control cabinets can often be the best choice due to the fact that [ they corrode slower than iron or carbon steel. Mounting is also a consideration. What is best for your system? Wall mounts, floor mounts, and pole mounts are all available.
Hardware
The hardware you will need for your solar power system is fairly straightforward. The first, and arguably most important
Inverters and converters do two very different things. Converters are used to control the voltage and increase the efficiency of your solar power system. Inverters convert DC power to AC power which is the standard we use to run the vast majority of our electrical network. There are numerous brands of inverters and converters. Running solar power is going to require a good bit of hardware and then enclosures to protect that hardware.
Hardware protection is very important. It will keep your grid up and power running when everything else fails. Each situation must be taken on a case by case basis and then decided what set up and enclosures are best for the individual situation. As stated previously, there are different mounts including wall, floor, and even portable enclosures. The enclosures are made from various materials so as to suit the changing conditions that will be found in each case. Enclosures also come in several different ratings that are also divided by different types. The ratings are classified as IP ratings or NEMA ratings. The ratings can be used to determine whether an enclosure is waterproof, shockproof, and also protects against dust, fumes, and other small matter.
Solar power has become fairly common and is being encouraged as a clean solution more and more each day. As time goes on it will continue to become cheaper and more prevalent. You can often receive tax credits that make solar power more cost effective at the start. Looking around the web there are several programs that will not only help you get it but sometimes even help you pay for it. After budgeting enough to install a Solar Power System, it’s very important that everything is installed correctly and it runs properly. One of the best ways to protect your solar power system is to make sure you are using the proper equipment. Make sure that your system is safely installed and protected properly according to the environment in which it will be placed. Account for any shock, water, dirt, or even people that may try to get into it and either break, corrode, or steal the hardware you’ve so painstakingly put together.
If you do all of this, then you should have a working system in no time that will last for a long time and affect your electric bill positively or provide electricity to your home. Anyone can learn about their workings and what will work best for their situation. But as always it is best to seek a professional’s help when assessing whether solar power is right for you. So research not only the equipment but the companies in your area that you might wish to use for installation. Solar power has advanced to the point where it is largely simple and affordable to acquire. Look for someone in your area that can help you switch your home to a solar power system! Before you know it, you’ll have a working of the grid system that supports your home and likely even makes you money on the back end!
[1] https://us.sunpower.com/blog/2017/10/25/how-does-solar-energy-work/
[2] https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-panels/top-20-solar-panels-in-2019/
