Solar electricity: How does it work?

Solar energy would not be where it is today if it weren’t for the scientists in 1954. That is to say, during that year scientists at Bell Telephone uncovered the power of the sun.  As a result of this discovery with silicon, an element found in sand.  It created an electric charge when it was exposed to sunlight. As a result, this discovery led to the development of solar cells. Most importantly, the scientists learned that capturing the sun’s energy turned it into electricity. And since 1954, Solar Energy as a technology has evolved.  Solar power systems now provide incredibly attractive financial benefits for residential and commercial businesses. In addition to the many non-profit agencies across Ontario and our great country of Canada.

Thanks to solar panels, we have access to an inexhaustible source of power, known as the sun. Throughout the day, the cells on your solar panels absorb the energy from sunlight. For instance circuits within the cells collect that energy and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity. And moreover, that DC electricity is passed through a device called an inverter to convert it to the alternating current (AC).  This AC electricity is used by most homes and businesses. You can use that electricity in your home.  Or you may wish to store it with a solar battery. Or you may send it back to the grid, putting credits on your electric bill.

Solar Panels

Solar panels collect and convert the sun’s energy into electricity. Therefore they are a key component of a solar panel system. Most commonly available panels today are either poly-crystalline or mono-crystalline solar panels.

The key differences between poly- and mono-crystalline panels are in efficiency and cost. Typically, mono-crystalline panels are more efficient (and thus more expensive) than poly-crystalline panels.

Racking and mounting systems

Racking and mounting systems are used to affix your solar panels either to your roof or to the ground. They also allow you to position your panels at an angle that is best for capturing the sun’s rays.

To perform at their best, solar panels should face south and be installed at an angle between 30 and 45 degrees.  This will depend on how far you are from the equator. Panels facing east or west and at a pitch angle of five degrees or more will still work well.  However will produce 10 to 20 percent less electricity than those installed under ideal conditions.

There are two types of mounts. These are known as fixed mounts, in which the panels remain stationary.  The other is track mounts. These mounts allow panels to “follow” the sun.  As it moves across the sky during the day (single-axis track mounts) and during the changing seasons (dual-axis track mounts). Track mounts are only suitable for panels installed on the ground.

Performance monitoring systems

Performance monitoring systems provide you with detailed information about the performance of your solar panel system. With a monitoring system, you can measure and track the amount of electricity your system produces on an hourly basis.

While some solar installers charge extra for installing a monitoring system, it can provide significant value over the lifetime of your solar panels. Monitoring systems help you identify any performance issues to ensure that you maximize the electricity production (and therefore the financial returns) of your solar panel system.

There are two types of monitoring systems known as On-Site Monitoring and Remote Monitoring.  Firstly, with the On-site monitoring, the monitoring device is located on your property.  And this device records the amount of electricity produced. Secondly, like the name suggests with Remote monitoring.  Your solar panel system transmits its performance data to a monitoring service.  As a result, this allows you to access your findings online or with a mobile device

Is Solar Power right for you?

Contact us now to schedule a site assessment and see which Solar Energy system is best for you.  We will ensure you get the very best system to your your specific Solar Energy requirements.  Our site Solar Energy assessment package includes a system design and estimate for you.

We here at Delta Energy Solutions certainly can help you in choosing the Solar Energy System perfect for you.  The end and final result will be money back in your pocket.