Not everyone understands how solar power works or what the components of a solar power system are. It might be a problem for you if you are thinking about buying your first solar power system. Where do you buy it, and how much will it cost you?

To find the answers to these questions, you must first understand what parts make up a solar power system and how to maintain them. This article will provide you with a detailed beginner’s guide to solar power systems, including the installation process, their cost, and how you can maintain them. So, let’s get right to it!

What Is Solar Power?

It is power generated by converting sunlight into usable electricity through photovoltaic cells and transparent photovoltaic glass in solar panels. We can use the electricity generated from photovoltaic technology to power homes, condos, residential buildings, or commercial buildings, including their security systems and air conditioning units.

The Components of a Solar Power System

Solar power systems consist mainly of the following:

• Solar panels to catch the energy from the sun
• An inverter that converts the sunlight captured into an energy form that can power your home
• Racking, which is the foundation of your system

Terracotta-tiled roof house renovation by Shane Thompson Architects ↑

In addition to these components, you will need a method to store the energy generated, like batteries and a charge controller to control how the batteries charge from solar power.

Installation And Cost of Solar Power Systems

The cost of your solar system installation depends on several factors. These include your property type, roof material, the type of panels in the system, and most importantly, the region in which you are and the availability of solar power installers in your area. The experts at shoalhavensolar.com.au explain that the quotation will mainly depend on your quarterly energy consumption and roof material. However, most solar system installers will charge around $1 to $2 per watt.

The best thing about installing a solar power system is that you will only need to plug in most of the components for them to be functional. So, all you have to do is install the cables in the right ports, tighten some screws, and your system will be up and running. The only part that might lead you to call an electrician is the final electrical hookup to the service panel part. Most people find it challenging to finish that part on their own.

Solar Panels

Solar panels contain small 6 x 6″ silicon cells with conductive properties and electrical contact plates on the surface. When sun rays reach the silicon, its electrical characteristics change, generating an electric current. And solar panels are a grid of these silicon cells laid on a protective sheet with a glass cover on the outside.

For a house or an office, you will need several panels. Each collection of them in one unit is called an array. Inverters can support a limited number of panels, and each array of panels that an inverter supports is called a string.

Monocrystalline Panels

These are panels made from silicon wafers that are cut from a single crystal. These panels are more efficient than polycrystalline ones because they use silicon of a higher grade.

Polycrystalline Panels

These are panels made by melting and fusing many fragments of silicon. They are typically cheaper than monocrystalline panels and provide less efficiency.

Solar Power Advantages

Solar energy is renewable and eco-friendly; it is a sustainable energy source that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Not only does it help protect our environment, but it also costs very little to use solar energy every month. Solar power is an excellent solution for those living in remote areas. Instead of having to spend a fortune on utility bills or struggling to run power lines through your house, you can install your solar power system. Moreover, homes equipped with solar systems have higher resale values. So, it’s a smart investment any way you look at it.

Solar power systems require minimum maintenance; most of the PV systems currently on the market are very durable. Clean your panels twice a year with clean tap water, and that will be more than enough. Solar power systems can save you hundreds of dollars on utility bills. And most importantly – they provide clean energy that is good for the environment. So, it’s time to start looking around for a durable solar PV system!