5 Main Components of a Solar Energy System

Whenever we come across the word solar power or solar energy system, the one thing that gets into our minds is PV panels. Despite solar panels, solar inverters, smart meters, and batteries play an important role in making the PV energy system a whole.

5 Key Components of a Solar Energy System

As we all know, solar energy is harnessed from the sun, and solar panels capture the sunlight, acting as the early adopter or initiator of the whole process.

As the PV panels acquire sunlight, the energy is transmitted to the solar power system to convert the unusable energy into usable electricity.

Here, we will discuss all the key components of the solar energy system that sync together to produce solar power.

Solar Panels

Solar panels consist of multiple solar cells that convert the sunlight into electricity. The process is called the Photovoltaic Effect. When sunlight strikes the solar panels, the electrons within the cell start moving, thus creating an electrical charge. The current produced is DC, which needs to be transformed into AC for domestic use.

Solar panel types vary, such as Monocrystalline solar panels, Polycrystalline solar panels, Thin film solar panels, and many more.

Solar panels are placed in an area where direct sunlight falls. This is because any obstacle or shade hinders the production of solar power. Moreover, solar panel placement, or how the PV panels are wired, is important for optimal solar-generated electricity production.

Solar Inverter

Solar inverters work as the heart of the complete system. The solar inverter gets DC from solar panels and then converts the electric charge into AC (240 V), the usable form of electricity. As it is the main part of the whole power generation mechanism, solar inverters should bear high quality.

Three solar inverter types are in the market. People can choose from string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers.

Once the inverters convert DC into AC, the power is supplied to the sockets or batteries for storage. A smart meter is a golden component if the solar system is hybrid or on-grid. And if the system is off-grid, batteries play a vital role.

Green Meter

The key benefit of solar electricity lies in individuals' ability to generate their power while selling any surplus energy to the power grid through net metering. Green meters, known as bi-directional electric meters, play a crucial role in this process. They facilitate the movement of electricity from the user to the grid and from the grid to the user. In situations where on-grid or hybrid solar systems are in use, if the solar panels produce more electricity than the household or building requires, the smart meter directs the excess power to the grid. As a result, the grid compensates by providing credits on your electricity bill, or you can opt to sell the excess energy units.

Also Read: The Solar Panel Paradigm - Residential VS Commercial PV Systems

Storage Battery

Off-grid solar panels are independent of grid connection, and batteries come into action here. The process goes in a way that when solar electricity is generated, the batteries store the excessive charge. While the solar panels keep the property powered during the day, the battery provides power backup for night consumption. 

Mounts

Racking and mounting play a pivotal role in the solar power system. When installing solar panels on a roof or any other surface, mounts are responsible for securely holding the panels in position. It's important to note that seeking expert guidance from a solar integration company is essential to mounting solar panels properly.

Also Read: Solar Energy Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

Conclusion:

Although the sun is an important component of the solar power generating process because, without it or the sunlight, there is no meaning to the whole process, we can say that sunlight is the raw element of the whole process. However, the mechanical components of the solar energy system include solar panels, inverter, green meter, and batteries. The mounts or racks used to attach solar panels to roofs or other surfaces are also an integral part. Here is a quick tip: when going solar, educate yourself about the process and get expert services from a good solar integration.