To understand solar power systems and what they can do for your home, you have to understand exactly what they do. Installing a solar power system will mean less consumption of electricity and basically provide power to all the items in your home. The exception is these solar systems do not provide power to the larger appliances that incorporate an element of heat such as an electric stove, electric water heater or central electric heat as the solar power systems would not be cost effective to do so. For those larger appliances, natural gas should be an option to lower electrical consumption even further in your home.

Location Is Important

Location is an important element to consider when considering solar power systems because it affects how much of the sun’s rays can be captured. The physical location of your home in reference to the equator as well as where the solar panels are placed around you home should be considered.

The best scenario for solar power systems is to have the photovoltaic (PV) panels that capture the sun’s rays and convert it into energy facing what is called solar south. This solar south is a bit different from a compass’s magnetic south location. An angle within thirty degrees of the southern area is best for the panels’ direction. Of course, you also have to keep in mind any physical obstructions like tall building or even trees that could cast a shadow over the PV panels.

Basic Components

To understand how the sun’s rays are harnessed and turned into energy, you have to understand the different components of solar power systems.  Basically there are four of them that help in the production of regular 120 volt AC power – solar PV panels, a charge controller, the battery and an inverter.

The PV panels capture the sun’s rays and in turn charge the battery while the charge controller ensures that the battery is storing the energy properly. In turn, the battery in these solar power systems sends DC voltage straight to the inverter, which then converts the DC power into consumable 120 volt AC power. When additional AC power is needed, either a transformer needs to be added to the system or another separate inverter.

It is important to keep in mind that the best solar power systems in the world will do you no good if your location is not optimal. For instance, Alaska may have spectacular summers with great sunshine which converts to plentiful power but come winter when the sun barely makes an appearance and you have a power system that is not running effectively to pay for itself. In addition, solar power systems will be rather ineffective when there are physical obstructions like trees, other homes and buildings and even hills and mountains.

Tags: Solar Power Systems

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