A solar array is a group of solar panels that have been connected to create more electricity and receive sunlight.
Combining solar arrays with one or more solar convertors (and optionally a lithium battery) makes a fully functioning solar power plant. The solar array is part of the solar power system that supplies power. This electricity can be used for powering homes or exported to renewable energy grids.
Solar Array Installation
Solar arrays can be easily installed anywhere there is sunlight.
An ideal location for a solar array installation is on the roof of your home. A solar array installation should be placed on the roof. The United States gets the best sun and produces the most power from solar arrays that face the south. Your location, as well as the design of the panel will determine how many panels you need to cover your electricity consumption.
A solar array can be installed on top of ground mounts. This is an option that is popular in rural areas and solar farms where land is often cheaper.
Solar arrays can be mounted on any structure other than roofs. There are many options. There are solar canopies and solar pergolas, as well as solar gazebos.
Are you going out for the weekend? Solar arrays can be installed on top of cars. For many years, solar energy has been available for RVs. Boats are starting to include panels.
Solar arrays can also be used in combination with energy storage systems such as solar batteries, for off-grid settings like hunting cabins.
There are also niches that can be used for solar arrays, such as those integrated into buildings.
Is it important where your array is? It is important to inquire about the system design and where the panels will be placed by any installer. A solar array that faces directly south, especially if you are in the Northern Hemisphere will produce more electricity than one that faces west, north, or west because it receives more sunlight.
Ground mounts are a good option if you have lots of land and plenty of sunlight. Ground-mounted arrays can produce more electricity than roof-mounted ones because they are designed to face and tilt optimally.
Solar Array Types
There are three types of Solar Array: ground-mounted, roof-mounted and carports. Each type of Solar Array installation serves a different purpose, so what works in one school might not work in the next.
- Rooftop Arrays – The most popular type of solar array is called the roof mount. To hold multiple PV panels, mount the solar rack to attach it to your roof. You can attach panels to metal, rubber, or shingle roofs.
Roof mounts can attach roofs to places where it is otherwise impossible. Install costs for roof mounts are usually lower than those for ground-mounted systems. Roof mounts don’t have to be bulky and can protect your roof against certain elements. - Ground-Mount Arrays – Ground-mounted arrays are the most popular. They are the most efficient in generating energy per kW. To maximize energy production, they can be placed in any orientation or direction.
They require open ground and are easy to maintain. They can be shaded by trees, power poles and buildings nearby. - Carports – An overhead canopy that covers parking spaces is known as solar carports. Ground mount solar panels and solar cars don’t need to be mounted on a surface.
Installers can position the panel at optimal angles to maximize sunlight exposure thanks to the canopies. Solar panel carports offer better solar panel than ground-mounted panels.
The Net Meter and Battery Backups
Net Metering
Your power meter measures how much electricity you draw from the grid. However, it is likely that you will need a special meter with the ability to spin backwards. Without this, you won’t be able to accurately measure how much renewable energy you are giving back to the grid.
You can usually call your utility company to get one of these meters free. As I mentioned, a power station at the grid’s center – even a small one – can take a lot off the system. The utility company will be happy to assist you with your solar home.
Battery Backups
Even though solar battery backups are not covered in this article, I feel it is necessary to mention them and explain why they are so useful. First, battery backups can be used in an emergency situation like a blackout.
Your solar panels won’t be able to power your home if your lights go out. This is done to protect the lineman who’s fixing the grid from being burned by your solar panels. You can keep your fridge running even if the power goes out by using a battery blackout. If you run an off-grid system you will need to have the batteries available when the sun isn’t shining.
Solar Array Installation Cost
A complete home solar system can cost between $18,000 and $20,000. This figure assumes that a complete home solar panel system will cost between $18,000 and $20,000. Based on our cost data, the figure assumes a reinventive price of between 2.75 and 3.35 per solar watt.
The cost of the equipment required to create the solar array ranges from $5,800 to $7,850. The remaining system cost includes the cost of the solar inverter(s) and the cost of the installation.
Solar Panel Calculator
Based on average monthly electricity consumption of 877 kWh (kilowatt-hours), the average American home would require between 19 and 23 panels. After the federal tax credit, it would cost $13,000 to $16,200 to install these many solar panels.
There is a chance that your energy consumption doesn’t match the U.S. average. The number of solar panels you require depends on many factors such as the location of your house and the type of solar panels that you choose.
There are several factors that will determine the number of solar panels you require
It is a common misconception that the size of your home determines how many panels you will need. You need to know how many solar panels your solar power system requires.
Your energy consumption: The more you use electricity, the more solar panels are required to pay your electricity bills
Sunlight in your region: Homes located in less sunny areas will require more solar panels to reduce their electricity bills. The southwestern United States receives the most sunlight, while the northeast receives the least.
Panel wattage: This is also known as the power rating. Most solar panels today have a power rating around 320 watts per panel. If you want panels with higher wattage ratings, you will need fewer panels
Solar Panel System
The sun is the primary source of solar energy. The solar panel, also called PV panels, is used to convert sunlight (which is made of photons of energy) into electricity that can be used to power electrical loads. It also includes a collection of PV solar cells.
Solar panels can be used for many purposes including remote power systems for cabins or remote sensing. You can also produce electricity with commercial or residential solar electric systems. Photovoltaic modules are made up of photovoltaic cell circuits that have been sealed in an environmentally-protective laminate. They are the basic building blocks of solar power systems. Photovoltaic panels are made up of one or more PV modules that can be assembled into a pre-wired and field-installable unit.
Types of Solar Panels
Different manufacturers may have different designs or qualities for solar panels. Most panels fall under one of the following three types: monocrystalline, thin-film, or polycrystalline.
Although these panels do not have the same efficiency or physical characteristics, they are all equally efficient. Each panel type has its own pros and cons.
These panels are stronger than traditional silicon-based panels. Below is a description of each type of panel.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels – Monocrystalline panels are most efficient. To extract the best possible from silicon, the parent material, they use a unique manufacturing method. Monocrystalline panels are made of silicon ingots that have very high purity. These wafers can then be cut into thin wafers and mounted in a grid-like manner. Each silicon wafer is unique, and can be easily identified. The panel appears black.
Monocrystalline panels are made of silicon ingots that have a high purity rating. They are capable of producing electricity with exceptional efficiency. These panels are extremely compact and can work in low light conditions more efficiently than other panels.
These panels are more expensive than other panels, which is a problem. But costs can vary widely between panel designs and manufacturers. Monocrystalline panels are more likely to produce waste due to their cylindrical silicon ingots. Each wafer’s edges are removed during manufacturing.
Monocrystalline solar cells are more expensive than polycrystalline panels. Polycrystalline panels are made of melted silicon. The melted silicon is then poured into square wafers. This melting process allows almost all the material to be used, eliminating a lot of waste.
These panels are efficient with an average efficiency between 13% and 16%. They perform less well than monocrystalline panels. They are also less effective in low-light or high heat conditions.
Polycrystalline panels can be larger than monocrystalline or thin-film panels and have a more appealing shimmering blue color.
Thin-Film Solar Panels – Thin-Film panels are not made from silicon like other types. These panels are made with alternative photovoltaic media and are deposited on thin substrate layers. This unique structure creates panels with distinctive characteristics.
Thin-film panels are still possible to use in many applications, even though they are less efficient than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels. These panels can be used in places where traditional solar panels might not work.
Thin-film solar cells are less popular than they used to be, especially in residential areas. Because of their low efficiency ratings, large space requirements and inability to be connected, these solar cells may not suit all roof designs. These solar cells are less stable than traditional panels and can degrade quicker.
Solar Panels near you
We recommend that you compare your options at Nevada Solar Group. Register on the Nevada Solar Group Marketplace and get quotes from several pre-screened, vetted installers. You can specify your preferences in regards to the solar panel system you want, and our installers will be able to tailor our offer to suit your needs. Our Solar Calculator will give you an estimate of the cost and savings that you can expect to make when you start your solar research.
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