Solar panel system components 

Purchasing solar panels is a great move financially and for the environment. It's good know the inner workings  your system with the grid. Here’s a brief summary of the parts and functions of your solar system; the power inverter, switch, and battery.

PV module mounting systems 

Solar panel mounting systems include hardware to affix the array to either a roof, a pole, or the ground. They’re made of aluminum,  based on the specific model, number of modules and the  physical configuration. Solar Panels work best at cooler temperatures, and proper mounting allows for cooling airflow around the modules.Wind loading is an installation factor, and it’s  important to design and pour the cement foundation properly for any pole mount. A solar array on a tracker will produce more energy than a fixed array. Trackers are often used in water pumping applications. 

Your inverter converts electricity 

Your solar panel setup has a minimum of 1 inverter connected through wiring to the panels. The purpose of an inverter is to convert direct current (DC) electricity developed to alternating current (AC) for your home’s use.
There’s several  inverter technologies available;  string, power optimizers, and microinverters. One inverter solution maybe more suitable than others based on  your solar system’s set up. String inverters is the cheapest choice yet power optimizers and microinverters  highly preferred for panels facing multiple directions or  experience marginal shading. This allows the system to produce the most efficiently. If you choose a microinverter solution, the inverters will be at the panel site. If you install a power optimizer or a string system, your inverter will be at ground level. Its common to have an inverter on the outside of building so servicing is easier and to keep up with possible codes. The inverter is also connected to your existing electrical system through the breaker box. Sometimes electric panels will need upgrades prior to installing because of the increase in amperage of energy.

Solar systems have 2 disconnect switches

Most solar systems have 2 disconnect switches that turns off the solar panel system. Although disconnect switches aren’t typically used in the lifetime of a solar panel system, it’s mandatory for safety reasons. Solar installers  use the disconnect switch to do repairs or maintenance.

Solar battery could be an optional purchase for your system

Batteries are popular to install with solar panel systems. Some building owners use batteries in grid-tied systems for delivering back up power or to use power when going off-grid. If you’re installing a grid-tied system, rarely experience power outages, have a favorable net metering policy and don’t deal with time-variant electricity pricing, then purchasing a solar battery isn’t necessary. 

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.