Designing complete solar power systems isn’t as difficult to do as you might think. If you’re technically oriented and handy with a hammer, then it’s entirely possible to specify and build a complete solar energy setup for your home.

There has never been a better time to look at renewable energy. Fossil fuel is finite, and becoming more expensive all the time. Energy security is becoming more of an issue with instability in the Middle East and the Russian monopoly of gas. Pollution is moving from our cities and encroaching on our whole country. If you use a power company, you know how much your bills are increasing each month.

A complete solar power system includes solar panels, a power inverter, wiring, mounts and maybe a tracking system. How simple or complicated you make it depends on what you want to do with it. A small-scale setup to power a water pump or cabin in the woods won’t need to be as complicated as one for a family home.

Many guides on building complete solar power systems forget to mention checking the roof before installing it. If indeed you’re planning a roof-mounted one. Most residential roofs will be strong enough to handle the extra weight, or can be easily strengthened, but the roof itself needs to be in good condition.

There’s no point installing solar panels rated to last 25 years if your roof only has 5 years life left in it. It will only result in the whole array having to be removed while the roof is replaced. This is a significant investment so is something that you should definitely bear in mind if you’re planning to build or buy a solar power system.

While you’re looking at your roof, measure it. The average home system needs between 300 and 800 square feet of usable roof space for the panels. The more power you want to generate, the more space you’ll need. This roof space also has to have the right aspect, i.e. facing the sun, and be free of obstruction and shade. As long as these criteria have been met, you’re good to go.

The next thing to do is to measure your power needs. This can be as simple as using a power calculator which you can find online, or going round your house with a pen and paper and making a note of the wattage of each appliance. Each should have a label on it providing the wattage, then all you have to do is calculate how many times a day each it’s used, and multiply the wattage by that number.

Watts won’t do you much good when specifying complete solar power systems, as the batteries are measure in amps. To make the conversion use amps= watts/volts. We use 110 volt power in our homes, so an example calculation of a 60 watt light bulb, on for four hours a day. 4 hours x60 watts= 240 watts/110volts= 2.18 amps.

Only once you have the power requirements can you begin specifying the system. Hopefully, this post has shown you how to begin that process.

Solar panel inverters are devices that transform direct current (DC) produced by a solar panel array into alternative current (AC) which powers our homes. Most solar power systems, and other renewable energy sources provide DC power, which isn’t much good in that form. Inverters are the necessary last link in the chain to turn that power into usable energy.

There are three types of solar panel inverters, Standalone, Grid-tie and Battery backup. Each differs slightly in operation and adds something to a solar power system.

Standalone inverters stand between the solar array and the mains. It draws DC power from the solar system, then converts it into AC. It can draw that power directly from the batteries, and also charge those batteries from mains power if necessary.

These systems vary in size and capability, from 100 watts to 8000 watts. Each will lend itself to different projects and will need to be specified in accordance with the system. This can be calculated by determining the maximum wattage required at any one time by measuring each appliances wattage requirements.

It’s also important to have surge-protection on an inverter. This protects other appliances and the solar power system from power surges from appliances.

Grid-tie inverters are also referred to as synchronous inverters, and are used when the solar power system is connected to the grid to enable the sale of excess power. They also have a safety cut-off in case mains power is shut off for any reason. These types of inverter cannot provide backup power during these outages.

The grid-tie inverter balances the power requirements of the system. If you use less power than anticipated, it feeds it into the grid and makes you money. If you need more than you produce, it allows the grid to supply you. While more expensive than a standalone inverter, it offers much more flexibility.

Battery backup inverters do exactly what their name suggests. They manage the batteries connected to the solar array. They draw from, control, and charge the batteries as required.

Some solar panel inverters convert a direct current to an alternating current through a delicate electrical switching process. This process makes an inverter function as a synthesized alternator. These are typically used to produce AC current by creating a smooth alternation, like a pendulum.

This alternation takes the form of a sine wave, which is the ideal wave pattern for transmitting AC power. Sine waves are also used by power companies, which is why the two can meet through an inverter.

There is no “best” type of solar power inverter to buy for any type of solar power system. Each has its own advantages and capabilities, and offers something to each type of installation.

When buying solar power inverters, you will need to know peak power demands and the intended use of the system. If you’re planning to sell excess power to the grid then a grid-tie will be your best bet. If the system is merely to power outside lights or a water pump then a standalone would be ideal.

One of the questions we get asked most is “How much will a solar power system cost?” It’s a valid question, but one that invariably leads to others.

When you answer with “It depends,” you inevitably see the eyes roll as a complicated answer spills forth.

It isn’t an easy question to answer because it depends on a few factors. Such as how large your house is, how much power you use, how much sunlight you get and how much room for the solar power system you have.

The average household uses 830 KWH of electricity a month. Depending on where you live, this can vary wildly. If it gets cold or hot then that number increases as you use heating or AC. Fortunately most utility bills have a monthly breakdown that you can check to see you peak usage.

Before spending money on a complete solar power system, it pays to increase the energy efficiency of your home. How much you can save depends on how efficient your home is right now. The measures can be simple like changing to energy-efficient light bulbs, upgrading to efficient appliances to insulating throughout and using newer windows.

All that costs money, but you make it back in the long run. Every dollar you save off your electricity bill here is worth $5 off the cost of a new solar power system.

Once you’re all efficient, it’s time to look at the system itself. Location is a significant factor in how much a solar power system will cost. If you get lots of clear, direct sunlight you won’t need as large a system as if you get cloudy or diffuse light.

For example, Phoenix gets 6.5 hours a day sunlight, whereas Seattle gets 3.5. Phoenix would need a smaller solar system than Seattle, so would cost less.

Using Seattle as a scenario for the worst case. To generate 1 KW of energy, you’re going to need 56 175 W solar panels. That will require a little over 800 square feet of space, and cost in the region of $60,000.

That includes professional fitting and connection to the grid. This connection is worth every cent as it will allow you to sell excess energy back to the power company to offset the cost of the system.

The average cost of solar power systems is between $6-8 per KWH for a 5 KW setup, according to the US Department of Energy. That price is decreasing all the time, with lower unit costs and rebates or incentives being offered.

While the initial cost is still significant, it has to be viewed over the long term. Think of it as a bond or unit trust. You make your money back over 10 or 25 years, not just 1 or 2.

If you’re in your forever home, then buying solar power systems makes sense. Not only do you save money, but you’re contributing to environmental efficiency, and staying outside the energy problems we face right now, and will continue to face while we depend of fossil fuels.

Photovoltaics, or PV, is the technology that makes solar power possible. A solar PV panel is comprised of cells made up of two layers of silicon. They act as a semiconductor, and are the element that does the work. When sunlight hits the surface, it creates an electric field which sends photons across the layers to collide with electrons, which in turn creates the electricity.

The cell then channels that electricity down a specific path, which generates DC current. An inverter attached to the solar PV panel converts DC to AC, which our appliances use. That’s when the power generated becomes usable.

The cells are grouped together in a grid to make up the solar PV panel we recognize. Multiple panels can be combined to make an array to produce more power. A single panel cannot generate enough power for a house, so multiple arrays need to be joined together to fulfil those needs.

As well as our homes, boats and RVs, solar PV panels can be used for power generation on a much larger scale. Presently over 100 countries have some kind of solar power stations generating in the region of 21 Gigawatts (GW) of power. That number is set to increase as the demand for renewable energy increases.

Even with the environmental issues aside, the ability to generate electricity from completely clean and renewable sources has driven a move towards solar energy over the past 10 years. With global energy prices rising steadily, and the inherent instability in oil rich countries, we have to find a solution to our own energy security.

Solar energy is just one method of doing that.

There are two main problems with solar energy, and solar PV panels in particular. The first is efficiency. The most efficient solar panel on the market right now is only 42 percent efficient. The average is somewhere nearer 20 percent. While the energy is free and abundant, this inefficiency means the average home needs more solar PV panels to make up the shortfall. This increases the space needed, and the expense.

Which is the other problem. Like any new technology, prices are at a premium for solar products. The manufacturing costs are decreasing all the time, especially with developments like panel printing and economies of scale, but they are still expensive. Much more expensive than buying electricity from the power company.

They are an investment, and buying a solar power system does pay off in the end, but it’s a long term investment. Fortunately there are a couple of programs that seek to offset that expense. The introduction of the Power Purchase Agreement allows for subsidies for those wanting to generate their own solar power. The EPA also has grants, and many power companies have feed-in tariffs which allows homeowners to sell their excess power back to the grid.

All these programs need to expand further to make solar power generation a viable option for homeowners. They are simple too stretched right now to consider spending thousands of dollars on solar PV panels, however much sense it makes.

If you have landed that unenviable task of specifying a solar power system for your home or work, you probably already know the technical challenges involved. That’s why this blog was created, to share our knowledge of the solar products industry with you to make life a little easier. Today we’re going to cover solar mounts.

If you have read any of our other posts, you should have a good idea of how solar power generation works, how photovoltaics function, and how they all come together in a residential setting. We have covered the types of solar mounting systems yesterday, so today we’re going to look at solar panel mounts.

The mount is the framework to which a solar panel is attached. They come in several varieties, such as; flush, roof-ground, and pole. Each mount type has pros and cons, and part of designing a solar power system, is deciding which is right for your particular situation. The main considerations are day long access to unobstructed sunlight and wire lengths to batteries.

Ease of access for maintenance or cleaning is also a consideration, but it should be a minor one. Solar power systems need very little maintenance, and cleaning is only an issue if you live somewhere that gets dirty rain or snow. As long as the solar mount type is permitted in your area, you should be free to choose whatever one you like.

Flush mounts are the structures which hold the edge of the solar panel. Think picture frame and you have the right idea. These are the simplest, and the most basic. They also offer the best strength and most subtlety. Flush type solar mounts will mostly be found on rooftops and on vehicles.

The downside to flush mounts is that they don’t offer much room to orient with the sun. The basic flush mounts will be static, but you can buy solar mounts that can work with trackers. Flush mounts are ideal for a simple home rooftop system.

Roof-ground mounts are larger than flush mounts, and as their name suggests can be sited on the roof of a building or on the ground. They come is all sizes, from small, single panel mounts, to huge multi-panel versions. They are ideal for flat roofs, or large gardens where there is plenty of space.

These are much more flexible than the flush type. They can easily be fitted with a tracker, and as long as the panels have an uninterrupted view of the sky, will work efficiently all day long. They come in all shapes and sizes, such as an A-frame type, T or N shape ones. There are even versions you can affix to a wall.

Pole mounts we spoke about yesterday. They are steel poles that are concreted into the ground and support a single or array of panels. These are the easiest to install, can track and don’t take up too much space. The downside is that they are subject to wind, and can look a little unsightly. They certainly aren’t as subtle as a roof-mounted system.

Solar pole mount systems are a very flexible way to implement solar power in your home. They are cost-effective, easier to maintain and can mount a tracker to follow the sun’s path across the sky. If you have the space to mount them on your land, they offer the most flexible solar energy solution there is.

They are currently three types of solar pole mount system, top of pole, side of pole and pole trackers. Each uses the same principles, but offers a little something different. They all use a strong steel pole, which much be fixed into the ground, but different fastening mechanisms at the top.

Top of Pole

These use a sleeve attached to a rack which sits on the top of the pole. The rack can be static, fixed in place with bolts, or use a tracker to follow the sun. Mounting at the top of the pole means you can affix more panels to a rack. However, it also means there is more wind resistance and can be tricky to mount unless you have help.

Side of Pole

These solar pole mount systems are commonly seen on our roads, attached to illuminated signs. They carry a smaller solar panel that powers the sign, reducing electricity bills and maintenance. There are larger systems for the home which can be used to great effect. They cannot carry as much weight as a top of pole mount, but are a viable alternative.

Pole Trackers

Pole trackers are mentioned separately, but many pole mounts can have trackers. Trackers are small devices that follow the sun and contain motors to move the pole so the solar panels always have the optimum angle. This increases the efficiency of the solar power system by a significant margin.

If you’re looking to buy a solar pole mount system, you need to consider how many panels you’re planning on using, and whether you have the space for uninterrupted sunlight to hit the panels throughout the day.

All solar power systems need direct sunlight all day to be truly effective. While bright sunshine is preferable, the panels can harvest power from overcast skies, just not as much. This should factor into your calculations when you’re specifying your system.

Depending on your latitude, prevailing yearly weather conditions, and power needs, a single pole mounted system may be inadequate. Multiple poles may be necessary to supply all that you require. The best solar pole mount system is the one that suits your needs now and into the future. It helps to have an eye on the years ahead when considering such a project.

Solar power has the potential to keep you supplied with power for many years to come. Therefore, adequate plans need to be made to take into account any likely changes to your needs. That could be anything from plans to have children, adding rooms to the house, or going off grid.

Solar pole mount system are a very flexible way to implement solar power in your home. As long as it’s planned and executed properly.

The dream of making electricity from sunlight was made real with the development of the photoelectric mechanism, and then the solar cell. These two advances made it possible for us to have unlimited, pollution-free power, with no significant side effects. Solar panels became accessible to homes and the technology developed further, increasing efficiency, and even introducing solar panel tracking systems to orient the panels to the sun.

Originally, the efficiency of a solar panel was only around 30 percent. As technology and photovoltaics advanced, this quickly increased. One of the limitations of the technology was the fact that panels need the optimal angle to produce the most power. This is because when the light hits the panel at an angle, some of it is reflected off and wasted.

Static panels were sited so they got at least some sunlight throughout the day. But, there were times when the angle was too great to harvest much. Efficiencies dropped and the viability of the technology was brought into question. Solar panel tracking systems changed all that.

Rather than installing static solar panels, it’s now possible to have movable arrays that follow the sun. This ensures the panels always have the optimum angle from which to harvest the sun’s energy. This improves the efficiency of each panel and maximizes the power generated by each one.

There are different types of solar panel tracking systems for different situations.

Single Axis Trackers

Single axis trackers can move the solar panels on one plane only. That means up or down, or left or right. In the northern hemisphere, that is generally east to west. Single axis trackers include horizontal, vertical, tilted, and polar aligned. Each different type tracks on a different plane.

Dual Access Trackers

Dual access trackers, as their name suggests, can move on two planes. That can be up, down, left and right. They offer much more flexibility in the rotation of solar panels but are a little more than a residential setup would need in many cases. Dual access trackers include tip and tilt and azimuth altitude trackers. They care normally found in large commercial arrays.

Trackers have three drive types, active, passive and chronological. The active tracker uses motors to move and a light sensing tracking mechanism to detect changes in the orientation of the sun. The passive tracker uses fluid to drive a simple mechanism. They also use a light sensor. The chronological tracker uses a gear motor and a simple clock to keep the panels pointing towards the sun.

If you’re thinking of buying a solar panel tracking system then the single axis tracker will probably suffice. If you’re planning a large installation to power a neighbourhood for example, then it would be useful to explore the capabilities of the dual access tracker.

While the dual access has more flexibility, it’s also more complex and therefore more expensive. Depending on the latitude of where you live, they might be wholly unnecessary.

Solar panel mounts come in all shapes and sizes. When considering buying a solar mount, it’s better to think about the solar array you want to grow into, not what you want right now. The price differential is modest, but the work involved is significant. When you’re digging and lining a single hole instead of several, you’ll thanks us for that advice.

We are going to provide an overview of the different types of solar panel mounts and their advantages, as well as their disadvantages. Then, when it comes to buying your own solar power system, you should have enough knowledge to make an informed decision.

Solar panel mounts are either fixed or can track. Fixed mounts are stationary and that’s it. They are set to the optimum angle for your latitude and they cannot move from there. Tracker mounts can have small devices fitted to them to move them with the sun. As the day progresses, the sun moves across the sky from east to west. The tracker follows this, allowing maximum exposure for the solar panels.

Roof mounts are probably the most common right now. They are out of the way, can carry many panels, and are relatively maintenance free. The downside is that you have to climb onto the roof every time you want to clean or maintain them. If you’re going to be adjusting the angle throughout the year, that will take time. Most roof mounts are static, but more complex installs can have trackers.

Roof-Ground mounts, or solar-mount rails are a versatile solar panel mount that can be set on a flat roof, tiled roof, or on the ground. They are sturdy and easy to install. The downside is that only the most expensive ones can be used with a tracker.

Pole mounts are gaining popularity fast. While not as subtle as a roof mounted system, they are more flexible. The panel bolts onto the side of a tall pole which can be sited on your land. They come in different sizes to hold varying numbers of panels or different sized ones. They are ideal if you don’t want to be climbing on your roof. Pole mounts can be static or have trackers. The main selling point of pole mounts is that they can easily track.

Ground mounts are like steel A-frames that sit on the ground to hold the panels, These can each hold four, but can be configured into an array of thousands. They are mainly static, but some have adjustable legs for varying terrains. These are the simplest, and cheapest way of mounting solar panels, but also the most limited. They cannot track, they are prone to damage, and can get in the way if sited in a garden.

Vehicle mounted racks. These are smaller solar panel mounts that fit onto the roof of an RV or boat. They are ideal for their purpose and are static.

Those are the main types of solar panel mounts that are available right now. Each has its strengths and weaknesses and is eminently suitable for different purposes. It is hoped that with the information, you will be able to choose the perfect mount for your own setup.

When you’re considering moving to renewable energy, or buying solar energy products, it always helps to know a bit about how it works. You don’t have to know the finer details, but a basic understanding of how we can harvest power from the sun and use it for our own benefit can be handy. We’re going to skim over how solar power works here.

We know that the sun is a giant nuclear reactor consuming hydrogen in nuclear fusion to produce heat and light, right? We know that this energy is radiated outwards from the sun throughout the universe. Some of that radiation is visible, most of it is not. In fact, it takes this energy 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel from the sun to the earth’s atmosphere.

Once it hits the earth much of it is reflected away by the outer atmosphere. The Aurora Borealis is a perfect example of radiation from the sun skidding over the atmosphere. A lot of this radiated energy gets through the atmosphere and hits the earth’s surface. Some of it can be seen as light, and some felt as heat.

The earth and its inhabitants have learned to harness this energy and turn it into life. Photosynthesis for example is the most basic way of turning solar energy into usable energy for life. The oceans absorb it, tree absorb it and so do humans. We have developed the ability to take vitamin D from sunlight.

Science then gave us photovoltaic technology which allows us to convert solar radiation into usable power. We use photovoltaics in solar panels which are rapidly becoming a common sight on many rooftops.

A solar panel is made up of many cells which collect the energy and turn it into current. The cells are made of silicon and collect the light radiation. Some of this energy is wasted as it is converted into heat, which is why panels are often warm to the touch. Every time energy changes state an amount is lost in the conversion. Heat is often the result.

The energy from the light excites electrons contained in each cell, causing them to move around. This movement is what generates current. The electrons are then directed down a particular path which creates current.

This current is DC, because it follows a distinct path. We need to convert it to AC for it to be usable. That’s where the inverter comes in. It takes the DC current and shifts it into 120v AC current which we can use for our appliances.

That is how we harness solar energy in a nutshell. We have taken a natural process, mechanized it and devised a way of using it for our own benefit. Solar energy is the future. It’s constant, fairly predictable, easily captured and simply converted.

Current photovoltaic technology still has a way to go to improve efficiency, but it is still the cleanest, cheapest and most accessible renewable energy we have.

Backup generators are mainly the preserve of commercial properties who live in areas with sporadic power supplies, or have systems that must have a constant supply of power. Solar powered backup generators are only one of a whole host of reserve systems available.

The most common generators is the fossil fuel version. This is either gas or diesel and starts up as soon as you experience power loss or at the touch of a button. These systems are fairly resilient, reliable and can generate enough power to keep you going until mains power is restored.

The disadvantage with these are that they need fossil fuel, are noisy, need regular maintenance and pollute every time they are used. While the ecological impact may not be a prime consideration, the fact that the air around them smells of burnt fuel can be a real problem.

Solar energy and photovoltaics have come a long way in the past twenty years. What once was thought of as a pipe dream, or something from science fiction is now a reality. Solar power is a clean, renewable, viable alternative to fossil fuels, and is gaining popularity all the time.

Solar powered backup generators are just one example of where solar energy is changing the way we live. Instead of thirsty fossil fuel generators, a solar version quietly collects energy when it’s sunny, stores it in a battery so that it’s ready when you need it.

It doesn’t need fuel except sunlight, it doesn’t need much maintenance, it works silently, and doesn’t pollute the air. They are currently slightly more expensive to buy, but the running costs are almost nil. Over the longer term, solar powered backup generators make a sound investment. Not only will they last for up to 25 years, they will always be there when you need them.

Buying a solar powered backup generator is exactly the same as any other. You need to calculate the power needs of the building and get a generator that can supply all that and a little more. You can either calculate the power requirements during normal functioning or develop a strategy to minimize power requirements while mains is down. Either way, that is the only main concern when planning to buy a solar powered backup generator.

Installation is also the same as traditional generators. The only extra requirement is a sunny space for the solar panels. For maximum efficiency, the panels need as much sunlight as possible, and be sited pointing south while in the northern hemisphere, and north in the southern. The more light the solar panels are exposed to, the more energy they can capture and store.

It can be daunting dealing with new technologies, but it doesn’t have to be. Solar powered backup generators have all the same features as a gas one, is installed in the same way, and works the same way too. Once you have sited the solar panels and wired it in to the building, you’re good to go.