Qualify for 30% Tax Credit! Click here to find out more about the tax incentives available in your state.
"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that." ~Thomas Edison
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
1. Reasons to Choose Solar Energy to Power Your Home
2. Components for Off-Grid and Grid-Tied Systems
3. Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Reasons to Choose Solar Energy to Power Your Home
Investments in solar energy offer many benefits. The simplest form of solar power or a home or business is a “utility-tied” or “grid-tied” system without batteries. In this type of system, any excess energy that is created when the sun is out is “stored” at the utility company as a credit. Your meter can actually spin backwards! When it is cloudy outside and at night the “stored” excess electricity in the form of credits is used first, which leads to a lower overall electric bill. Electricity generated from the sun reduces pollution and slows global warming by eliminating the need for fossil fuels. Solar power is a choice you can make individually, but contributes to the collective need to wean ourselves from foreign energy sources. Installing a "battery back-up" solar photovoltaic system in your home will provide an alternative source of power during outages. Solar panels also make a visible statement about your commitment to a cleaner environment, inspiring others to consider new energy sources. The reasons to choose solar energy are numerous. New federal and state incentives can make the decision to power your home with abundant clean energy from the sun easier than ever.
Environmental Benefits
Solar panels, or photovoltaics, convert sunlight into electricity. Solar energy creates none of the air pollution associated with electricity from burning coal and natural gas (like mercury, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), coal ash, toxic particulates, etc). Solar energy systems also require no water and operate in total silence.
Economic & Social Benefits
Sunlight is free and abundant. In one hour our planet receives as much energy from the sun as the entire human population uses in one year. Harnessing this plentiful source of energy is easy to do, and your roof is probably the best place to start. Solar energy systems allow you to generate your own electricity and store it for later use. Or, if you prefer to stay connected to the electric grid, any excess energy can be turned into credits at your local electric utility. As more households use electricity from solar energy, our nations grow closer to gaining energy independence, growing new manufacturing bases, and improving the reliability of the energy infrastructures.
Ease of Maintenance and Reliability
Solar panels have no moving parts, and therefore no potential points of mechanical failure. Preventive maintenance is usually limited to rinsing the panels twice a year to clean off any dust buildup. Most solar panel manufacturers offer lifetime warranties for over 25 years. Systems that include battery banks for energy storage will require some additional maintenance to ensure the batteries are properly cared for and life is maximized.
Rising utility-based electricity costs
Across the United States, utility based electric rates have been rising rapidly. As high-quality coal and uranium supplies pass their production peaks, energy costs from electric utilities will continue to rise as well. These costs are passed along to the rate payers and can account for a growing portion of a family's budget. The purchase of a complete solar energy system can protect families from these future rising costs.
Tax Incentives
Government tax credits, incentives and special financing can cut costs dramatically. For instance, the U.S. government offered a 30% tax credit for residential photovoltaic installations as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In late 2008, the federal solar tax credits were extended another 8 years and the $2000 maximum savings cap for residential installations was eliminated making this a "true" 30% tax credit.
State and local governments provide additional tax incentives. The North Carolina Solar Center has put together a website called DSIRE, or Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy. This site can help you easily identify other ways to save money on your solar installation.
[BACK TO TOP]
Components for Off-Grid and Grid-Tied Systems
A complete PV system from Innovative Solar will include several components suited to your individual needs, site location, and expectations. First is important to determine if a grid-tied or off-grid system is preferable. In short, grid-tied homes are connected to power lines operated by the utility company, while off-grid homes rely solely on a renewable energy system and batteries.
Today most PV installations are grid-tied. There are several reasons why grid-tied systems are more popular. One reason is security. Batteries used in off-grid systems can only store so much energy, and the off-grid systems can be less reliable during periods with extended cloud cover. Being connected to the utility company can provide added assurance that electricity will be available when it is needed most. Additionally grid-tied packages offer reduced maintenance and up-front costs compared to off-grid. Grid-tied homes can also take advantage of net metering, or generating credits when energy production exceeds use.
Homeowners who choose to be off the grid include those who live in remote areas located far away from power lines or choose to create a more self-sufficient life. Many people who choose to leave the grid, report feeling a sense of gratification when losing reliance on conventional electricity generated by burning coal and natural gas. Also, with an aging electric infrastructure, grid availability may become less reliable with time.
Homes connected to the grid can use back-up batteries as well. Homeowners with grid and battery connections have power available when the grid fails and can switch to grid-supplied power as a last resort. These systems are more expensive to install and maintain, but provide the most energy security for a home.
Grid-tied PV System
Grid-tied systems are comprised of four main components: solar panels, inverter, main service panel, and utility meter. The solar panels (also called PV modules) convert sunlight into DC electricity. The inverter converts the electricity from DC to standard AC power for use in the home, synchronizing the utility power whenever the electrical grid is distributing electricity. The Main Service Panel receives AC electricity from the inverter and offsets usage in the home before sending excess power to the utility meter. The utility meter will be provided by the utility company and measures how much excess energy was sold back to the utility.
Off-grid PV System
Off-grid systems use the same components as grid-tied arrangements with the addition of a charge controller and battery bank. A Charge Controller regulates the charge on batteries to maximum their life expectancy. The battery bank stores energy chemically for use when solar panels are not generating power. Some solar battery banks use wet cells (like golf cart batteries) while others use sealed or gel cell batteries. Each battery type has different temperature, mounting, and ventilation requirements.
Innovative Solar Solutions offers complete photovoltaic packages for both grid-tied and off-grid residential situations. We will also provide wiring diagrams and basic system design, so you and a qualified electrician can easily install our pre-packaged systems.
Visit our section on complete solar packages for your home to browse options that can suit your needs.
Innovative Solar also offers these other residential products like...
[BACK TO TOP]
Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
AC (Alternating Current")
AC is a type of electric current which is reversed at regular intervals or cycles. In the United States, the standard is 120 reversals or 60 cycles per second. Almost all residential appliances and motors in the U.S. are built to operate using alternating current.
Batteries:
A battery is a chemical way of storing electric energy. It uses a combination of lead plates or grids and an electrolyte consisting of a diluted sulphuric acid to convert electrical energy into potential chemical energy and back again. The batteries used for solar energy applications are typically offered in two varieties: wet-cell and sealed.
A deep-cycle wet-cell has thick lead plates and are flooded with an electrolyte and water mix. Wet cell batteries will give off gas as a natural result of charging, therefore the battery compartment should have some sort of ventilation. As the battery discharges and recharges daily, water loss will occur over time. The water level should be checked periodically and topped off with distilled water.
A deep-cycle gel cell or sealed lead-acid battery has the sulfuric acid converted to a jelly-like consistency surrounding the individual lead plates. This type of battery is typically used in environments preventing regular access and maintenance. Gel cell batteries will have slightly shorter life span than wet cell batteries.
To learn more about batteries offered by Innovative Solar, please visit our Batteries and Accessories page.
Charge Controller:
Solar charge controllers are used in battery based photovoltaic / solar electric systems. Charge controllers protect the batteries from overcharge and excessive discharge. The minimum function of the charge controller is to disconnect the solar electric array when the battery is fully discharged and to keep the battery fully charged without damage.
DC (Direct Current):
DC is a type of electric current that flows in a consistent direction. Electricity generated by solar panels is low-voltage DC. To make this electricity usable in a residence (since most household appliances operate using AC), an inverter is needed. [See Inverter below.]
Grid ("On-Grid" vs "Off-Grid"):
"On-grid", "grid-connected" or "grid-tied" means the solar electric residence is also connected to the utility electrical grid as a backup. "Off-grid" refers to systems that are not connected to the utility electrical grid and store unused energy in batteries that are maintained inside the house.
Inverter:
Converts the solar panel's direct current (DC) power into standard alternating current (AC) power for use in the home. The inverter also ensures synchronization with utility power whenever the electrical grid is distributing electricity.
Main Service Panel:
The inverter feeds AC electricity into a breaker in your main electric service panel, offsetting usage in the home before sending excess out to the utility meter.
Net Metering:
Net metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your utility and that produced with a solar energy system. Net metering is applicable to grid-tied systems. Under net metering, any excess electricity produced by your solar energy system is delivered back into the utility grid, effectively spinning your meter backwards. The meter spins forward when the solar panels are not producing all of the electricity being used.
PV Modules / Solar panels:
Photovoltaic (PV) refers to a technology that converts light energy into electricity. The term "photovoltaics" comes from the Greek word phos, meaning light and volt a unit of measuring electricity. Photovoltaics are generally made from thin wafers of silicone, and when charged particles from the sun hit them, they convert the sun's photons into usable direct current (DC) electricity. Only about 14% of the photons that hit the photovoltaic cell are converted to electricity, but this is four times what it was five years ago, and is predicted to increase at an even faster rate.
This DC current can either be used immediately or stored for later use. With the addition of a solar inverter, the DC power can be converted into alternating current, or AC power, which is what most electrical appliances utilize. PV modules are versatile and can be mounted in a variety of sizes and applications, but are most commonly installed on the roof or awning of a building.
Utility Meter:
Utility power is automatically provided at night and during the day when the demand exceeds your solar electric power production. The utility meter (provided by the local electric utility) spins backwards when solar power production exceeds house demand, creating a credit for any excess electricity against future utility bills.
[BACK TO TOP]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some advantages of solar energy?
After the initial investment in solar-energy equipment, the costs are minimal since the components are relatively maintenance free and the sun provides all the energy. Solar energy offers a way to avoid the volatile costs of electricity provided by local utilities (as the price of coal and natural gas continue to rise). Solar energy is a way of harnessing the most abundant fuel supply the earth has and promotes energy independence. Solar energy produces no toxic chemicals, emits no pollution, and consumes no water.
What is a residential solar electric system?
A residential solar electric system allows you to generate your own electricity at home. The pre-packaged systems are designed either to interconnect with your existing utility service or act in a stand-alone (off-grid) environment. These solar packages include solar modules, inverters, wiring, and mounting kits. Off-grid packages will also include batteries and charge controllers. A licensed electrician will be required to ensure the wiring is handled appropriately.
How does a residential solar electric system work?
Solar cells in the modules mounted on your roof convert sunlight directly into DC power. A component called an inverter converts this DC power into AC power that can be used with common appliances in your home. A grid-tied system, without battery backup, is interconnected with your local utility. During the day, if your grid-tied solar system produces more electricity than your home is using, your utility may allow net metering or the crediting of your utility account for the excess power generated being returned to the grid. Your utility would provide power as usual at night and during the day when your electricity usage exceeds that produced by your solar panels. Systems are also available with a battery backup, and do not require connection to the local utility. Part of the power produced by your solar system during the day is used to charge the batteries, which provide power for your critical loads in the event of a power outage.
Will my system work on cloudy days?
Yes, though solar panels produce less electricity when there is less sunlight. Under a light overcast sky, panels might produce about half as much as under full sun. If you are consuming more electricity than the solar panels are producing, the extra power must be provided by the local utility or battery backups (depending on the type of system).
What happens during a power outage?
There are two standard ways of designing and building solar residential systems. One type of system is referred to as a "grid-tied" system. A grid-tied system powers your home during daylight hours, has no battery storage, and relies on electricity from your local utility when there is little sunlight. Another type of system is referred to as a being "off-grid". This type of system is not connected to the electric supply provided by the local utility. Off-grid systems power your home during daylight hours, but also have a battery backup designed to provide power to your home's critical loads, day or night. If the local utility experiences a power outage on a clear day, there will be no disruption of service. If the power outage happens when sunlight is minimal, only systems with battery backup will be able to continue providing electricity.
What are the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system?
A PV system is made up of different components. These include PV modules (the solar panels) which convert sunlight into electricity; sometimes one or more batteries and a charge controller for a stand-alone system; an inverter for converting to AC power; wiring; and mounting hardware or a framework.
What is the difference between photovoltaic (PV) and other solar energy technologies?
There are three main types of solar energy technologies:
1. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly to electricity by means of PV cells made of semiconductor materials. These systems are most common in residential applications.
2. Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems concentrate the sun's energy using reflective devices such as troughs or mirror panels to produce heat that is then used to generate electricity. These are more common in larger industrial uses.
3. Solar water heating systems contain a solar collector that faces the sun and either heats water directly or heats a "working fluid" that, in turn, is used to heat water. These systems do not produce electricity but are an easily affordable substitute for a gas or electric water heater.
How long to photovoltaic systems last?
A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well are typically guaranteed for up to 25 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of a PV system is to have it installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
How long does a Solar PV System take to install?
Installation time depends on the size of the system. The actual installation time for a residential system takes just a few days to complete, depending on system size and wiring complexity.
How do I maintain my Solar PV System?
Solar PV systems are designed and installed to be low-maintenance. They are solid state technology and generally have no moving parts. Panels benefit from being hosed off at least twice a year, especially after long periods without rain.
Why do I need a Charge Controller?
A charge controller regulates the charge on batteries (for off-grid or battery backup systems) giving full power when necessary and reducing the charge as the batteries require less. This is important for maintaining the health of the batteries.
Why do I need a Power Inverter?
If you don't use one, you will not have 120 volts AC. Almost all appliances require AC power, so an inverter is needed to make the electricity useful. Using DC power might be acceptable in a small RV or cabin, but most homes will require that an inverter be installed.
[BACK TO TOP]
|
Solar Modules
