About Solar
Solar
What is a PV System?
A PV (Photovoltaic) System is a solar electric system consisting of a solar array (group of solar panels) and an inverter which converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels to AC electricity which can be used to power typical household lights and appliances. PV systems can be either Grid-Tied (connected to your local utility grid) or Non-Grid Tied (independent of the loca utility grid). Additionally, a PV system can contain a battery backup system to power dedicated emergency loads when utility voltage is not present.
Photovoltaics (or PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting solar energy (sunlight, including ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years.
Photovoltaic production has been doubling every 2 years, increasing by an average of 48 percent each year since 2002, making it the world’s fastest-growing energy technology. At the end of 2008, the cumulative global PV installations reached 15,200 megawatts, a 94% annual increase. Roughly 90% of this generating capacity consists of grid-tied electrical systems. Such installations may be ground-mounted (and sometimes integrated with farming and grazing) or built into the roof or walls of a building, known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics or BIPV for short.
Net metering and financial incentives, such as preferential feed-in tariffs for solar-generated electricity, have supported solar PV installations in many countries including Australia, Germany, Israel, Japan, and the United States.
How is a PV System Installed?
The installation of a PV System is a fairly simple process but should only be attempted by trained and licensed professionals. Solar panels are mounted and secured to your roof using stainless steel mounting hardware and racks. All roof penetrations are sealed with a long lasting polyurethene sealant. Because of the strict engineering requirements, these roof mounting systems can actually strenghten your existing roof because of the additional cross bracing provided by the racks.
Electrical conduit and wires are installed from the PV array to the inverter. The inverter is typically installed next to your existing circuit breaker panel. The inverter is then connected to your main circuit breaker panel with the proper size wire and circuit breaker to provide power to your electrical system. For a basic Grid-Tied non-battery backup system, that's pretty much the process. Battery-backup systems have a few more pieces of electrical gear to mount and connect, the general process is the same.
How Much Does it Cost?
The table below provides a quick financial analysis for various size Grid-Tied Non Battery Backup PV Systems. For each size system the table provides information on pricing, rebate information, actuall out-of-pocket costs, estimated annual returns, payback period of the PV System, and the total return on your investment over the 25 year warrantied life of the panels.
How Does a PV System Work?
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