Solar power is becoming more popular among homeowners in the United States. Solar panels are not only environmentally friendly but also provide unbeatable energy efficiency.
It is helpful to contact a company to understand solar energy. Solar Tech Elec is a solar company that has been helping homeowners for over 20 years. Here are some terms homeowners should be familiar with when talking about solar power.
- Alternative Energy
All forms of energy generation may not be environmentally friendly. Alternative energy is energy that can be generated in environmentally-friendly ways. Alternative energy sources include:
- Solar
- Biomass
- Wind
- Geothermal
- Hydroelectric
- Array
An array is a collection or panels connected together. The more solar panels you have, the more energy you can produce for your home.
- Balance of System (BOS).
The non-panel parts of a solar panel are called the balance of system (or BOS). BOS components include:
- Hardware
- Wiring
- Inverters
- Monitoring system
- Grid for Electrical and Utility
The grid is made up of power-generating stations that transmit electricity from one supplier to another. The electrical grid uses high-voltage transmission lines to transfer power from a power station to the demand centre, while distribution lines connect customers to the grid.
- Inverter
AC electricity is the most common form of electricity used to power homes and businesses. On the other hand, solar power generates direct current electricity or DC electricity.
Inverters convert the DC electricity from your solar panels into AC electricity for your house.
- Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
The standard measurement for electrical power, kilowatt hour, is one of the most important terms in solar power. This measurement is used to calculate the power consumed in a single hour and homeowners can expect to receive their electricity bills.
- Micro-inverter
A micro-inverter is located on the back of every solar panel. A micro-inverter, an innovative piece in smart grid technology, optimizes each solar panel’s energy production. Solar systems can operate at their maximum efficiency and not be affected by a single panel’s performance.
- Net Metering
An electrical grid is used to transmit excess energy from a solar power plant. Through a process known as “back feeding”, the electrical grid redistributes excess energy.
Net metering is a way to measure the energy received and sent from the grid. This record is used by companies to credit customers or to charge them according to their energy use and local rates.
- Photovoltaics (PV)
Photovoltaics technology can convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaics technology makes use of semiconductors to capture the sun and convert it into electricity for your home.
- Solar Panel Efficiency
Efficiency, which is one of the most popular terms in solar power, refers to how much sunlight solar panels use to generate electricity. The efficiency of most panels is between 20-25 percent.
Solar Tech Elec can assist you to learn why you need solar panels, and how they can increase your home’s energy efficiency.
This article was written by a solar expert at Solar Tech Elec. Solar Tech Elec is a premier solar installer in Florida with expanded services in North Charleston, South Carolina. They work with homeowners to install solar panels in South Carolina and provide them with a way to save money on their energy bills, protect themselves against rising electricity prices and be part of the solution for clean renewable energy.