|
| |
How Solar Panels and Their Components Work Together in a
System
|
| The sun shines on the PV Array producing direct current (DC)
electricity. The charge controller receives this electricity, it
also controls the flow to the batteries to prevent overcharging damage.
The batteries receive the DC electrical energy and store it.
The Inverter converts this DC power to AC. The power from
the inverter is then connected to your house breaker box from there it goes
into your home.
A generator is a second source of AC power and a backup for charging
the battery when there is a shortfall in solar or wind power.
You can get a net-metering system with or without batteries.
|
| Types of Solar Panels & Mounting Systems |
Thin Film Solar Laminates |
Photovoltaic (PV) panels--
Are available in polycrystalline (more than one crystal) & monocrystaline
(One crystal-more efficient) in 70-200 wattages. We prefer to use
165-170 watt panels, which are approx. 32" wide by 64" tall. We use
only the most dependable brands, including Sharp, Shell and GE. A
typical house will use 8-12 panels depending on their wattage output and
how they are mounted.PV panels may be mounted using a tracker, which
tracks the sun by using the movement of a gas between warmer and cooler
areas of the tracker. A tracker will increase the daily output of
the PV panels around 40% compared to a fixed mount, such as a top-of-pole
mount or roof mounted system. A top-of-pole mount looks similar to a
tracker but doesn't track the sun. The angle of the panels may be
changed during the year to better catch the sun and increase their output.
Roof mounted panels need to be on a south facing roof with minimal shading
and a favorable slope. |
Are perfect for those applications where
aesthetics are important. they follow the contours of your
home, making them look like glossy roofing. although they are more
aesthetically pleasing, they are not as efficient as regular solar
panels. They can be rather expensive costing about $135.00 for
every 7-by-1 foot section, not including installation, power inverter
batteries, mounting, fuses and wiring. You not only get solar
panels, but a roofing as well. Many states offer tax credits and
rebates to help off-set the cost of the system.
Thin Film Framed Panels
Are framed in anodized aluminum. They are very durable and
lighter than regular solar panels. They work well in high
temperatures as well as shaded areas or low light levels. They are
less expensive than regular Photovoltaic panels, but they are less
productive so you will need more panels for the same amount of
production.
|
| How Much Will a Complete System Cost? |
| There are tax credits and rebates available.
The State
of
Utah offers 25% up to $2,000.00 for residential and a corporate tax credit
of 10% of the cost up to $50,000.00. The Federal tax credit is also
$2,000.00 with a corporate credit of 30%.
CLICK HERE for more info. The cost
of a system can vary quite a bit and there are so many variables it's hard
to answer that question. We custom design systems to fit your
specific needs. Some of the considerations we make before
doing a bid are the size of the home or building, is it used year round,
how many people live there, what types of power draws; water pumping, air
conditioning, Jacuzzi, appliances, etc. To determine your energy needs we would
like to talk to you directly and gather more information to give you a
no-cost, no obligation bid.
*Rocky Mountain Power has now released information on a Net Metering rebate program.
They are offering a rebate of $2.00 a watt.
|
|
