SolarStar
Photovoltaic Energy Systems
How SolarStar Operates
A photovoltaic (solar electric) system literally means photo, (produced by light) and
voltaic, (electricity produced by a chemical reaction). With a solar electric system you
get 100% clean electricity from the sun and in essence become your own power company.
The Sun as Electricity Source
Light rays from the sun, those that you can see (visible light) and some that you can't
see (ultra-violet) both help to produce electricity in the panels. The sunlight's
interaction with certain materials, such as silicon in the PV module, frees electrons,
which are collected to form direct current (DC) electricity. DC electricity is then
converted by an inverter to AC power for your use. PV systems produce power intermittently
because they work only when the sun is shining. More electricity is produced on a clear,
sunny day and with a more direct light angle, as when the sun is perpendicular to the PV
modules. Cloudy days will reduce output, and no power is produced at night. PV systems
work best during summer months when the sun is higher in the sky and the days are longer.
The Mechanism and Mounting Structure
The SolarStar modules themselves are the power producing mechanism. They are assembled
from solar cells. Each cell produces electric power when exposed to sunlight. The
manufacturing of these cells is a highly technical process similar to that used to make
computer chips. The solar panels are rated by Underwriter Laboratories for the amount of
watts they are capable of producing. The panels we use are the most energy efficient
panels on the market. Other manufacturers may produce panels that are cheaper, but their
panels are larger, and are actually less energy efficient per square inch. Our panels can
be mounted on the ground, or on a rooftop. The roof mounting structure consists of
aluminum and stainless steel racks, which the panels are mounted upon.
The Inverter
The inverter converts DC (direct current) power to AC (alternating current) to the
standards of your local power company used to run your home appliances and lighting
fixtures. The inverter is enclosed in an attractive cabinet that can be mounted inside the
home, garage, or on an outside wall.
Wiring - The Electrical Panel and Circuit Breaker
Part of your SolarStar system is the wiring to your home or office's power system. This
will be connected to the load center (circuit breaker box or electrical panel) of your
home or office. If you choose the battery backup option that will give you power during an
outage, a new electrical panel will be installed that holds essential circuits. The
existing electrical panel retains non-essential household circuits that do not require
power during an outage.
The Batteries (Optional Feature)
Batteries can be included in the system to provide backup power in case of utility power
outages. The solar panels recharge the batteries during the day. If you are looking for a
reliable generating system that can function independently from the utility grid to keep
essential appliances and services running during a blackout, batteries may be a viable
component to add to your total system.
System Location and Size
The best orientation for a SolarStar system is on a south-facing roof; however, roofs that
face east or west may also be acceptable. Flat roofs also work well for solar systems
because the SolarStar array can be mounted either flat on the roof facing the sky, or on
frames tilted toward the south at an optimal angle. If a rooftop cannot be used, your PV
array can also be placed on the ground in a fixed mount. For most residential and small
offices, a 5 kW to 10 kW system should add some real value. Several factors will influence
the size of the SolarStar system you select. As a starting point, consider how much of
your present electricity needs your SolarStar system should supply: part of the current
usage, all of the current usage, or all of the current usage plus potential growth.
Net Metering
Net metering allows utility customers to be credited full retail price for some of the
electricity their renewable energy system sends back to the utility grid. This means that
you get to use the excess electricity you’ve produced when you need it, at no charge to
you. Currently, there is no provision to compensate the customer if their system produces
more electricity than they use. One meter is typically used to measure the difference
between the electricity used and the electricity produced. When the system produces more
power than is being used at the premises, the meter will spin backwards! At least once a
year, the utility will charge the difference if there is more electricity used than
produced.
For more information or a site survey, please call
209-223-3002, or email us at Sales@Renewable.com. |
