How solar power works

How solar power works

As a renewable source of energy, solar power is one of the popular ways to generate clean green electricity through photovoltaic arrays.

The energy is captured from the heat and sunlight produced by the sun, through solar panel systems, provides enough (and even more) energy to power the household and appliances.

Made up of photovoltaic (PV) arrays, (photo meaning light and voltaic meaning electricity), solar panels contain discs that act as energy sources and include positive and negative silicon wafers that are under a layer of glass.

Once sunlight hits the solar panels, the rays are converted through as electrical current, either going through a battery system (with direct current power – travels through the circuit in only one direction) and/or in most case an inverter (consisting of alternating current power – frequently reverses direction) is used to make electricity useable.

Types of solar systems

There are two types of solar power systems – they can either be connected to the main grid known as “power grid” being the local power utility company or are stand alone power systems or “off grid”.

Majority of all of Sun Connect’s solar power systems are connected to the main grid. This type of system requires little maintenance and is the most simple to set up. Any additional energy produced by this type of system is sent back through the grid and in exchange you can be provided with credit, called the ‘feed-in tariff’ (FIT). The FIT is an incentive provided by the federal government and is based on the size of your system and the state you are located in.

Stand alone power systems (off-grid) are seldom provided by Sun Connect and are most often utilized in remote areas. These systems make use of a battery banks to conserve the electricity produced from the solar panels.

If you have any further questions in regards to solar power technology please feel free to get in touch.

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