Basic Explanation:
A more in-depth look:
Sunlight activates the panels on a rack-and-panel solar system. Each panel is made with a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass casing surrounded by a special film and wiring. The panel is then grouped together for maximum effect into arrays and placed on a rooftop or in a large outdoor space. The solar cells are referred to as photovoltaic cells and those cells absorb sunlight during the daylight hours
The cell produces an electrical current through a silicon ingot and wafter. Within each solar cell is a thin semiconductor wafer made from two layers of silicon. One layer is positively charged and the other is negatively charged, forming an electric field. When light energy comes from the sun and strikes the photovoltaic solar cell, it energizes the cell and causes electrons to ‘come loose’ from atoms within the semiconductor wafer. Those loose electrons are set into motion by the electric field surrounding the wafer which causes an electrical current.
The electrical energy is converted through a solar inverter. The electricity generated is called DC or direct current electricity – which is not the type of electricity that powers a home. DC electricity can be changed into AC (alternating current) electricity through an inverter. In most solar systems, these inverters can be configured as one inverter for the entire system or as individual microinverters attached behind the panels.
The converted electricity powers your home through the solar inverter. Once the electricity is properly converted from DC to AC electricity it runs through your electrical panel and is distributed throughout the home to power the appliances. It works the same way as the electrical power generated through the grid by your electric utility company, so nothing needs to be change in the home. You will remain connected to your original power company, and you can automatically draw additional electricity to supplement any solar shortages from the grid.
A Net Meter measures usage through a smart electric meter. On cloudy days or through the night, your solar panels may not be able to capture enough sunlight to use for energy. Conversely, in the middle of the day when nobody is home, the solar panels may collect surplus energy – more than you need to operate your home. A meter is used to measure the electricity flowing in both directions – to and from your home. Your utility company will provide credits for any surplus that you send back to the grid – this is known as net metering.
FAQ’s
Solar Radiation is known as daylight and powers the PV (photovoltaic) panels. Not all locations receive the same amount or concentration of solar radiation.
Ev chargers pull electrical current from a 240v outlet or the grid that it is hardwired to and deliver that electricity to the vehicle.
If you choose to pair this with Vertex Electric Sun’s solar panel installation you will also need a home battery storage system to store the energy. Most individuals choose to charge their car throughout the night when the sun is not shining so the energy needs to be stored in the home battery storage system. This will be connected to the car’s charging station.
There are three levels of charging:
Level 1 Chargers are the slowest. They work off a regular 110-120v wall outlet. The miles/charge time is 5 miles per hour of charge. These chargers require no upgrade to your utility panel.
Level 2 Chargers are much better than the regular wall outlet. They run off 220-240v. They typically give off about 13-25 miles per hour of charging. It would take about 9 hours to fill this battery. These chargers require a professionally installed outlet on a dedicated circuit.
Level 3 Chargers are fast chargers. They are 480v or more and can fill from empty in a little over one hour. It could be 10-30 minutes for a full charge.
EV charging from solar is superior for many reasons:
The Levelized cost of solar is cheaper than grid power in most cases.
The cost of grid power goes up over time, while solar panels keep producing electricity without additional cost.
Solar panels are far less polluting than electricity from the grid.
Battery energy storage systems are rechargeable batteries that store energy from solar arrays or the electrical grid and provide energy to your home or business. The solar batteries work by converting the DC energy produced by your solar panels and storing it as AC power for later use. Energy is then discharged through the battery storage during times of high usage to reduce the costly demand for energy. The home battery systems include a built-in inverter and a computerized control system.
If you read about (click) how our solar panels work, you know that when you have excess solar electricity it is sent back to the grid, and you will later be compensated for this. With a home battery system, the excess solar electricity is stored instead of sent back until the battery is fully charged – when it is fully charged, then the electricity can be sent back to the grid.
These battery energy storage system applications include peak shaving, load shifting, emergency backup, and various grid services.
Commercial Applications:
Peak Shaving: this is the most important in a commercial setting. For businesses that are being charged utility tariffs between 30 – 70%, solar arrays alone may not be the most sufficient solution for you. A battery storage system can guarantee that no power above a predetermined threshold will be drawn from the grid during peak times.
FAQ’s
The range for a solar battery’s lifespan is between 5 – 15 years. Proper maintenance can influence your solar battery. Temperature also affects the battery, so be sure to protect the battery from extreme temperatures.
Solar batteries are made of either Lead Acid or Lithium-Ion. The best option is typically the Lithium-Ion battery as they are lighter and more compact than the lead option. Lithium-Ion batteries are more expensive however they do have a longer lifespan.