This is our ultimate guide for homeowners to complete home solar power kits. Here in this article, you shall get all the information you require on the installation of a residential solar system and other related factors. Whether you are thinking about switching to a solar power source for the first time, or contemplating an upgrade, this guide should help.
What do you understand by a Home Solar System?
The term ‘solar power systems for home’ also referred as residential photovoltaic (PV) system is a process by which mains electricity is being produced through Arrays of solar panels in a homes. In operation, this comprehensive complete home solar system of the home provides homeowners’ freedom from conventional grid- base power hence making a significant impact in rendering sustainable living.
Why It is Essential to Fit a Solar System
While embracing the use of technological innovation in the development of GREEN energy, the use of solar energy is important in combating climate change through reducing on the generation of green houses gases. While power can be harbor from the regular electrical power through utilization of complete home solar system, this comes with even the added advantage of long term economical benefits as the cost of power is greatly brought down.
Types of Home Solar Systems
Currently there are two main types of home solar systems, namely;
On-grid Systems :
On-grid solar systems also known as grid connected solar systems are solar systems which is connected to the utility grid. They enable homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid that can likely provide credits on their electric bills.
Off-grid Systems :
Off-grid solar systems refer to the ones that are installed and connected with no prior connection to the utility grid. Battery storage is needed to store the excess generated energy for use when there is no sun and thus, apt for off-grid or poor grid connectivity regions.
Hybrid Systems :
The on-grid and off-grid solar systems are similar to each other but have some differences; therefore, the hybrid system is formed from these two basic types of solar systems. We know that they are still connected to the national grid but at the same time, they have their battery storage capacity in which they are able to get independence in terms of power as well as sells excess power to the grid.
Components of a Home Solar System
Looking at the various options available at Suntech, intermediate customers can now have a complete home solar system made out of the following components:
Solar Panels
This typically involves the use of photovoltaic cells that are found in the solar panels that captures the sun’s rays and turns it into electricity. There are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film panels the efficiency and costs of which can vary depending on the type.
Inverters
Inverters are responsible for converting direct current electricity into home usable alternating current electricity from solar panels or photovoltaic cells. There are the string inverter, the micro inverter, and the axial central inverter among the many that can be found in the market.
Batteries
Solar batteries help store extra electricity that is generated during the day for moments when there is no sunlight. These are Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries; lithium-ion batteries are more efficient and last longer than the Lead-acid batteries albeit costly to install.
Charge Controllers
Soveters control the charging of batteries so that they are neither overcharged nor deeply discharged, consequently extending the battery cycle life. PWM and MPPT are the two major controllers used in solar systems, distinguished with PWM controllers being the oldest of the two.
Mounting Structures
Solar panel brackets also support solar panels and place them in the best position in order to receive adequate sunlight. The most popular type of installation for home system is roof mounts, but ground mounts and tracking are used for bigger systems and when roof mounting is not possible.
Selection of the right solar panels
Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline panels are more productive and can be installed in a slightly denser way as compared to polycrystalline panels but they cost more. Polycrystalline panels, which are slightly less expensive, are slightly less efficient as well but provide fairly good cost to efficiency ratio.
Thin-Film Panels
Thin-film panels are comparatively light in weight and are more pliable than a silicon PV panel, in so it was optimum for specific application such as, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and curved surface. However, they are normally less efficient as compared to crystalline panels of similar materials.
Efficiency and Durability Considerations
As for the material, you have to decide solar panel’s efficiency ratings (ranging from 15 to 22 %) and resistance to weather conditions. This may translate to warranties of a longer duration or better performance in low light conditions, depending on the panels that one buys.
Inverters: Essential Components
Types of inverters also include;
- String inverters
- Micro inverters
- Central inverters
String inverters are more inexpensive for systems of smaller capacity, whereas, microinverters allow one panel level monitoring, and are efficient at panel level. This type of inverters is applied to utility-scale plants and have high overall power rating but yield less AC-DC power conversion efficiency per panel compared to string inverters.
Sizing and Capacity Considerations
Inverter capacity should correspond to the total amount of the DC power produced by the specific solar panels for the system. Inversion machines can be oversized or undersized; it impacts on effective performance and the system’s lifespan; it is always wise to get advice from a technician on the sizes of inversion machines for complete home solar system.
Batteries for Energy Storage
Lead-acid Batteries
Lead-acid battery is inexpensive, however, they have comparably shorter life span and lower energy density compared to lithium-ion battery. They are best for off-grid installation, systems which rarely undergo deep cycle of discharge.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries provide higher efficiency in conversion, longer life cycles, and deeper cycle discharge that is perfect for off grid as well as hybrid installations. Though initially, the costs are higher, they are cheaper in the long-run and do not need frequent replacement.
Charge Controllers
It is common for people in power to dictate the rules and regulations of employment to employees while restricting their ability to exercise that same power.
- PWM Charge Controllers Typically, PWM charge controllers are inexpensive and can work with smaller systems which exposure to sunlight is well-predicted. They control charging by leaning the voltage of the solar panel to equal to the battery’s voltage during charging.
- MPPT Charge Controllers MPPT charge controllers increase the collection of energy through constant alterations of the output voltage of the solar panel to the optimum. MOS-FET controllers are superior to PWM in terms of efficiency, it makes them suitable to large scale systems or areas with fluctuating sunlight.
Financing Options and Incentives
One can look for ways of borrowing money to pay for the installation of solar systems or get into leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) to reduce the cost of solar. Look for incentives that can be obtained from the local, state or federal level to decrease the costs, which usually play positive part in ROI for the lifetime period of the system.
ROI equals net profit divided by the cost of investment, expressed as a percentage form using the above data.
Projected and analyzed ROI properly in accordance with energy saving and incentives as well as the lifespan of the systems. Subtract costs of maintaining the solar system, inflation and energy price fluctuations from the potential savings analysis if you plan on investing in a complete home solar system.
