Home solar systems replace utility electricity with self-generated energy to lower residential power costs in the long term. They can also increase a property's value and attract buyers.
Solar panels are easy to install on the roof of a home or on the ground at a site that meets conditions. With solar batteries, a system can be made even more cost effective by reducing peak power demand.
Generating Electricity
Many grid-connected solar PV systems generate more electricity than they consume during daylight hours, with any excess energy sent back to the power grid (via a net meter). Homeowners may also benefit from a billing structure called “feed in tariffs” where their utility buys their excess solar power at retail rates.
As energy storage technology improves and financial incentives become available, more homeowners are choosing to install battery systems for their solar energy system. This allows them to remain off-grid at night and during times of low sunlight, as well as provide backup power in the event of a power outage. Regardless of whether you’re on- or off-grid, studies show that homes with solar sell more quickly than those without. This is because buyers recognize the financial and environmental benefits that come with a residential solar system.
Solar Panels
Residential solar energy can lower utility bills, increase home values, and contribute to local economic growth. It is also a great way to help protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar panels use silicon-based semiconductors arranged in grid patterns to convert sunlight into electricity. They are encapsulated in protective material on both sides to ensure their performance.
A typical 400-watt panel can produce enough energy to power an average US household, assuming about 4.5 peak sun hours per day. For the best performance, panels should be placed where they are not shaded by trees or bushes between 10am and 4pm.
Depending on your location, you may be eligible for a program that allows you to sell excess solar electricity back to the electric grid when it is generated, resulting in reduced utility bills. This is called net metering.
Inverters
An inverter is the heart of any battery-based solar-energy system. It converts DC into AC electricity so that you can run household appliances through your standard home wiring.
Solar panels create direct current (DC) electricity, but most appliances plug into the grid, which provides alternating current (AC) power. An inverter converts your DC power into AC to connect with the utility.
A pure sine wave inverter offers cleaner, smoother energy for sensitive electronics like newer TVs and CFL bulbs and certain appliances with AC motors like refrigerators. Renogy stocks a wide range of pure sine inverters to fit your needs.
To maximize the ampere hours of your batteries, you can daisy chain them together in a parallel configuration. This will double the total ampere hour rating of the batteries, extending their runtimes.
Electrical Panels
A solar panel consists of an aluminum frame, tempered glass, encapsulant, and solar cells. These panels can be grouped together into arrays (an ordered series) on rooftops and other outdoor spaces.
Even on cloudy days, solar panels generate electricity, although not as effectively. However, solar systems can benefit from the added power of rain to wash their surfaces and improve efficiency.
Solar panels can be mounted on the roof of a home or ground-mounted wherever conditions are best on the property. Whether rooftop or ground-mounted, a solar system requires a sturdy racking system to withstand the elements over its lifetime.
Residential solar systems can be grid-tied to the electric utility and in certain states, homeowners can take advantage of net metering policies that allow excess energy production to be sold back to the utility. A qualified solar installer will know the state-specific details of these programs as well as ideal financial incentives and financing options for local homeowners.
Energy Storage
Energy storage systems allow homeowners to reduce or even eliminate energy charges on their electricity bills. Combined with solar panels, IQ batteries can allow homes to be completely independent from the grid, generating and storing enough power to meet all their electricity needs.
Energy Storage is technology- and fuel-neutral, and can be used to maximize the value of any renewable energy source. By charging during periods of excess renewable generation and discharging at times of peak demand, battery ESSs can help align renewable energy supply with electricity market pricing.
Homeowners who choose to buy a backup battery may find it necessary in areas with unstable utility rates, frequent outages due to weather or line maintenance, or to accommodate certain medical equipment that requires cold temperatures (like insulin). Adding energy storage can also help ensure that solar electricity will continue to be produced during long-term utility rate increases.
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