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Home solar power systems convert sunlight into electricity through the use of solar panels. For an average home about ten watts per square foot of electrical energy will be gathered per day, but this can vary depending on the size of the solar panels that are being used. As you might expect, bright sunny days with intense sunlight produce the most power. Cloudy days and at night the home solar system does not produce electricity.
Initially home solar power systems are more expensive than standard utilities since you will have to pay for the cost of the equipment and installation up front. But in the long run home solar power systems are quite cost effective. The two main reasons for installing a home solar power system are, of course, lower utility bills, but close on its heels is the fact that solar power is environmentally friendly. No polluting side effects occur.
Components of Home Solar Power Systems
Home solar power systems consist of five main segments:
- Solar Panels
- Power Converter
- An Electric Panel
- Utility Meter
- The Utility Grid
The solar panels are normally placed on the roof of your house, but may also be placed in any area that receives direct sunlight for as many hours as possible. The solar panels are the segment of the home solar power system that converts sunlight into DC power.
The power converter changes the DC power into AC power which is the type of electricity you would get from the national electric grid (your local utility company). This is what most household electronics run on.
The electric panel then brings the power from the power converter to the breaker box. From here the power will be distributed to various electrical points in the house.
Then the electric utility meter handles the excess power and causes your electric meter to run backwards to give you additional credit with the utility company.
And finally, the utility grid which will supply you with electricity during the night and at other times when your energy needs exceed your solar energy system.
There are two types of systems when we look at the utility grid:
The first is called the off grid system which is not hooked up to an electric utility system. This system requires a battery to store excess power during the day and make it available at night. Another component of the off grid system is a generator which can be used when the battery power is not sufficient, such as a long string of cloudy days.
The second is the grid tied or net metering system. You are connected to an electric utility which receives excess energy produced by your home solar power system during the day and causes your electric meter to spin backwards, therefore, giving you credit with the power company. You DO need to contact your utility company about these systems since the rules and regulations vary depending on the company and you also need a special meter to run both forward and backward.
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