Generating power at home is now possible for house owners as long as a solar-PV system is installed. This system usually consists of solar panels, racks, batteries (optional), solar inverters, a solar-energy-operation supervisor system, a switch box and a two-way power meter. These components work together to generate solar power for a house.
1.Solar panels
Solar panels are devices that absorb sunlight and convert the solar radiation into direct current through the photoelectric effect. Most panels are made of silicon and more materials such as perovskite are expected to be added into solar panels in the future. This will generate more direct current but cost less. The direct current that comes out of the solar panels will flow into a solar inverter or a battery and then into a solar inverter.
2.Racks
Racks are used to support solar panels, usually installed on a rooftop or on the ground. These racks are usually made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, aiming to avoid rusting.
3.Solar inverters
In a home solar-PV system there is a solar inverter or a series of microinverters. When the direct current out of the solar panels goes through the device(s), it is turned into alternating current, which will be directly used or connected to the utility grid.
4.Batteries
Batteries are installed in an off-grid or hybrid-PV system. If so, a family cannot use the electricity from the local utility grid when night falls or the system meets special conditions and must install batteries. In such a system the direct current from the solar panels will go into these batteries for storage and then be fed into the inverter whenever the family needs.
5.Solar-energy-operation supervisor system
This supervisor system can consistently monitor your energy production, making sure your system keeps working all the time. When the system meets trouble, it will inform you in time.
6.Switch box
The alternating current from the solar inverter will then go into the switch box of the system. Now your family can consume the solar power.
7.Power meter
On average a solar-PV system needs a two-way meter, for it functions to record your family's power-supply conditions. In a grid-tie system the unused power will be fed to the local utility grid to spin money for your family. Once your family consumes more than the system generates, the grid can power your house.
The final tip for each house owner is people usually install a grid-tie system at home for the sake of selling power to the grid and getting consistent power supply. You may choose the off-grid or hybrid system, but it is not suggested if your house is not located in remote areas where utility grids cannot reach.
