Solari Energy FAQ's How Does A PV System Work
For more information follow these links.
Photovoltaic Basics
Colo Rebates/Tax Credits
Warranty Info/ Weather
Location/Sizing/Costs
Environmental Topics
What is a photovoltaic panel and how does it work?
Photovoltaic (PV) panels are typically made of high purity silicon wafers similar to what is used in a computer chip. When light strikes the surface of the silicon wafer it dislodges electrons, which are then collected and output as electrical current. A typical solar panel is make with of these wafers which are soldered together and are framed with aluminium and covered with a very tough low reflective glass. Since PV panels have no moving parts they have a very long life span and require very little maintenance.
Is it good to have solar electric panels in Colorado?
Colorado along with rest of the Southwest area is one of the best places in the country for PV systems. In Colorado we usually have more then 300 days of sunny weather, combined with our altitude this makes Colorado one of the best and most efficient areas for a PV installation.
What are the parts of a PV System?
There are four major parts to any PV System
The solar panels product the electricity
The mounting system connects the panels to the roof
The wiring systems connect the panels and connect it to the electrical system
The electrical system includes the inverter which converts the DC current from the solar panels into the AC current your home runs on. The AC and DC disconnects are used to shut down the power on either side of the DC or AC power.
Is there a battery involved?
No, we install only grid tied systems which means you are generating electricity directly into the power companies electrical grid. Battery type systems are used for off grid applications such as a mountain cabin and in most cases you would need appliances that run off DC current or an adapter for each appliance.
How much maintenance is required?
Very little to none. Typical PV panels require no maintenance, about the only thing you can do is to wash them down if they get to dirty, which doesn't happen to often usually the rain and snow keep them clean enough.
What does shade do to PV panels?
PV panels are very sensitive to shade. Typical panels are broken into sections, which in turn are made of several cell wafers. If any part of the panel is shaded that section stops producing power which can cut the power output dramatically or off altogether.
Is there water in these panels?
No, PV panels have no water in them. They generate electricity directly from the sunlight they receive.
What is the difference between different brands of panels?
All the panels we use are excellent panels and carry the same warranty. There can be unique qualities to each panel. Some panels are manufactured to tighter tolerances, some use different types of solar cells, some are more efficient than others and some look different, these factors account for the difference in price of each panel. In our experience the one factor which is most important to our customers is the dollar/watt cost. We always strive to give our customers the best possible price on their system, if you have a desire for any panel just let us know. At times ceratin panels are very hard to get which would mean a long wait time or changing to another panel.
What is a watt or watt hour?
A watt is a basic unit of power. Just thing about light bulbs in your home, they are rated in watts. A typical 100 watt bulb uses four times the power but produced four times the light. Solar panels are rated in watts, the rating is the amount they will produce under full direct sunlight. A PV panel will produce its rated power for an average 5.0 to 6.5 hours per day in Colorado. That means a 200 watt panel will produce an average of 1000 to 1300 watt-hours per day. The actual number will be higher in the summer and lower in the winter.
Contact Us Today To Start Generating Your Own Power
mike@esolari.com 303-465-3311
Photovoltaic Basics
Colo Rebates/Tax Credits
Warranty Info/ Weather
Location/Sizing/Costs
Environmental Topics
What is a photovoltaic panel and how does it work?
Photovoltaic (PV) panels are typically made of high purity silicon wafers similar to what is used in a computer chip. When light strikes the surface of the silicon wafer it dislodges electrons, which are then collected and output as electrical current. A typical solar panel is make with of these wafers which are soldered together and are framed with aluminium and covered with a very tough low reflective glass. Since PV panels have no moving parts they have a very long life span and require very little maintenance.
Is it good to have solar electric panels in Colorado?
Colorado along with rest of the Southwest area is one of the best places in the country for PV systems. In Colorado we usually have more then 300 days of sunny weather, combined with our altitude this makes Colorado one of the best and most efficient areas for a PV installation.
What are the parts of a PV System?
There are four major parts to any PV System
The solar panels product the electricity
The mounting system connects the panels to the roof
The wiring systems connect the panels and connect it to the electrical system
The electrical system includes the inverter which converts the DC current from the solar panels into the AC current your home runs on. The AC and DC disconnects are used to shut down the power on either side of the DC or AC power.
Is there a battery involved?
No, we install only grid tied systems which means you are generating electricity directly into the power companies electrical grid. Battery type systems are used for off grid applications such as a mountain cabin and in most cases you would need appliances that run off DC current or an adapter for each appliance.
How much maintenance is required?
Very little to none. Typical PV panels require no maintenance, about the only thing you can do is to wash them down if they get to dirty, which doesn't happen to often usually the rain and snow keep them clean enough.
What does shade do to PV panels?
PV panels are very sensitive to shade. Typical panels are broken into sections, which in turn are made of several cell wafers. If any part of the panel is shaded that section stops producing power which can cut the power output dramatically or off altogether.
Is there water in these panels?
No, PV panels have no water in them. They generate electricity directly from the sunlight they receive.
What is the difference between different brands of panels?
All the panels we use are excellent panels and carry the same warranty. There can be unique qualities to each panel. Some panels are manufactured to tighter tolerances, some use different types of solar cells, some are more efficient than others and some look different, these factors account for the difference in price of each panel. In our experience the one factor which is most important to our customers is the dollar/watt cost. We always strive to give our customers the best possible price on their system, if you have a desire for any panel just let us know. At times ceratin panels are very hard to get which would mean a long wait time or changing to another panel.
What is a watt or watt hour?
A watt is a basic unit of power. Just thing about light bulbs in your home, they are rated in watts. A typical 100 watt bulb uses four times the power but produced four times the light. Solar panels are rated in watts, the rating is the amount they will produce under full direct sunlight. A PV panel will produce its rated power for an average 5.0 to 6.5 hours per day in Colorado. That means a 200 watt panel will produce an average of 1000 to 1300 watt-hours per day. The actual number will be higher in the summer and lower in the winter.
Contact Us Today To Start Generating Your Own Power
mike@esolari.com 303-465-3311
