Getting solar panels installed and transforming the rooftop into the own personal power station can seem like a daunting journey at first.
Having a good idea of what they are looking for in regards to their energy needs will streamline the process of installing a system.
Types of Solar Panel Systems
There are three primary options for a solar power system: on-grid, on-grid with backup batteries, and off-grid.
1. On-Grid System
The panels on the roof will take in power that is connected to the power grid of the local electric company
This type of solar energy system is very popular these days. The panels on the roof will take in power that is connected to the power grid of the local electric company. On sunny days, the system will store excess energy that it generates and will utilize it on cloudy days when the panels are not producing enough. This process is called net metering and is one of the many benefits of an on-grid system.
This is a very common and practical option for residences as power is guaranteed even when the weather isn’t cooperating. The solar companies negotiate with the local electric companies to make this process possible. This type of system will save them a lot of money on their monthly energy bills. Remember though, if the grid goes down in the local area, so does the power!
2. On-Grid System (With Batteries)
Need a little bit more assurance that the lights are going to stay on? This solar electric system works the same way as the regular on-grid system, with added security and comfort of the knowledge that they’ll still have power stored in the battery backups in case of a grid outage.
These systems are common in situations where the power can, under no circumstances, go out, such as commercial environments or if they have medical devices in their home.
3. Off-Grid Systems (Energy-Independent)
The photovoltaic system takes in sunlight and stores power in the battery bank, just like the on-grid system
If they live in a rural area or desire complete energy autonomy without dealing with an electric company, this is the best option. The photovoltaic system takes in sunlight and stores power in the battery bank, just like the on-grid system with batteries operates.
The clear disadvantage here is that if something happens to the battery or their panels, they don’t have the grid to provide energy in the interim.
Types of Solar Panels
There are competing technologies on the market right now that have their own advantages and disadvantages. They’ll want to work with the installer on which type of panel best suits their unique conditions & needs.
1. Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
These are probably the panels they’re most familiar with (they may be on the roof across the street from the right now)! PV panels utilize the photovoltaic effect, which is the process that creates voltage or electric current by exposure to light.
The reason they are so popular is that they are very efficient producers when limited space is a factor. The crystalline silicon design can usually be up to 20% efficient (that’s good!).
2. Thin-Film Panels
Thin-film panels are often used in situations where the more rigid photovoltaic panels would not be practical.
The thin-film panels are very dynamic for different mounting situations but offer very little by the way of energy efficiency. A larger number of them are needed to get the job done.
Where to Install the Panels
Do they have a large sunny backyard and a shady roof? These are the things to consider when mounting systems.
During the solar panel installation process, they will need to decide the best place with the most sun that is also the most practical for the home or building.
1. Direct Rooftop Mount
The panels will be placed on the mounts and then connected to the home
The technician first places the mounts 4 feet apart on the roof. Holes will be drilled to secure the mounts with steel bolts. The panels will be placed on the mounts and then connected to the home.
It is advised that this type of mount has a good orientation to the sun year-round and generally works best on north/south-facing roofs, as they will get sun most of the day. With an east/west-facing roof, the sun will only shine on the panels during the morning or afternoon.
2. Ground Mounting
If the roof type is not conducive to drilling or able to hold the weight of the system, this might be the route to go for them. If a sunny space is readily available, ground mounting presents some advantages in that some systems can reorient themselves to move with the sun.
The disadvantages of mounting in the backyard as opposed to the roof are easily summed up: using up precious space in the backyard instead of the roof.
