Roof-mounted solar panel systems absorb and convert the energy-packed photons of natural sunlight into a usable energy form. The solar panel systems are often referred to as PV, or photovoltaic, solar power systems.
Home installation of a high-quality solar power system can reduce or eliminate dependence on the community power grid that supplies electricity to light, heat, cool, and operate your home.
The result of a residential solar power system installation is a clean, renewable energy source that requires minimal maintenance with savings that may pay back the initial investment in just a few years.
Once your solar system is paid off, you will have decades of free energy.
Most residential solar power systems are referred to as grid-tied systems, meaning they are still connected to the power grid and can utilize it for backup power, whereas in remote areas with undeveloped land and limited access to grid power, off-grid systems are more common.
This video explains how a grid-connected solar system works to power a home
Understanding the components of a solar power system is the first step. The components of a home solar power system include:
- Solar panels
- Solar inverter
- Solar racking
- Solar performance monitoring
- Solar storage