Powering Your Home With Solar Panels and Micro Inverters

1. Photovoltaic Panels

Solar panels (PV modules) convert sunlight to direct current (DC) electricity using photovoltaic effect. Each solar panel generates small amounts of power which are usually connected in groups to form an array that produces more power for your home.

As sunlight hits a solar panel, electrons are dislodged from silicon atoms that comprise its cells, creating an imbalance of electrical charge similar to what would happen when connecting two batteries in series. Metal plates at the back of the cell then collect these electrons and transfer them onto wires that lead to an inverter where DC electricity can be transformed into AC electricity for use by your appliances if your solar system is connected to the grid; any excess electricity will then be returned back into service with your utility provider.

There are various methods you can use to assemble an array of solar panels. Serial stringing involves running a line through every solar panel in your array. Parallel stringing utilizes parallel lines that run between each row of solar panels. Trackers may also help ensure your panels receive maximum sunlight exposure.

2. Micro Inverters

Microinverters allow DC-to-AC conversion at each panel instead of via a central inverter for an entire solar array, thus decreasing high-voltage DC wiring requirements and eliminating potential fire risks associated with high voltage electricity transport within the system.

Microinverters are placed at the back of each solar panel in your system to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), providing it to household systems and appliances. Once all microinverters have been connected via trunking cables that lead to your switchboard – effectively acting like stations along a railway track, with electricity passing between each one then onto your switchboard.

Microinverters also boast the advantage of isolating equipment failures for each panel, meaning if one micro inverter malfunctions it won’t affect other solar panels or energy production – perfect for those starting small with plans to expand later.

Enphase and SolarEdge are among the top microinverter brands, both offering an extensive selection of microinverters in various sizes. Enphase stands out by offering its combined inverter/optimiser system which boasts a 25 year warranty for their optimisers and 12 years on their inverters; you can monitor its performance through Enlighten web or mobile apps.

3. Batteries

Batteries make an invaluable component of a solar home backup system when combined with solar panels. Batteries work through an electron tug-of-war between anode and cathode plates to generate electricity; too much electricity drawn can damage or drain a battery, so keeping its level constant for maximum lifespan and performance.

Solar-plus-battery systems also enable you to take advantage of your renewable energy when the grid is under strain, helping reduce stress on its systems and lower your electric bills. Time-of-Use rates offer further opportunities to utilize your renewable energy when grid resources become constrained or spike. A solar-plus-battery system may even help avoid spike charges for Time-of-Use rates, helping prevent spikes from appearing on your bills and bring significant cost savings!

How much power a battery can back up depends on how many appliances are running simultaneously, and its kWh rating (battery capacity). Our Baker representative can assist in selecting an adequate system.

Home battery systems can be an ideal way to lower electricity costs and carbon emissions, with their initial costs often being rolled into mortgage payments or depreciated over time. Furthermore, battery systems provide homeowners with an ideal way to live off-grid or reduce reliance on the grid.

4. Chargers

Powering your home with solar electricity is an excellent way to reduce grid dependence and costs, while at the same time potentially saving on utility fees. Integrating solar with battery storage and electric vehicle charging capabilities is the key to making solar work for you.

Portable solar chargers make power generation on the go easier, helping keep devices charged even when sunlight is scarce. Designed to fold flat for easy transport or slip into backpack pockets or seat back pockets without taking up much room, yet providing enough surface area to produce usable watts of power, these units can keep devices charged no matter where you go.

These panels also come equipped with integrated controls to regulate their output voltage, preventing you from accidentally overcharging any device at its other end. Some, like the BigBlue SolarPowa 30, feature color indicators to indicate when enough sunlight has been collected for power production; other products, like BioLite SolarPanels from Sunlite come equipped with built-in analog sundials to help align panels for optimal orientation.

At first, the number of ports offered should be your top consideration when searching for a solar charger, to make sure it will accommodate your devices. Generally, it’s wise to opt for one with at least two standard 2.4 amp USB-A ports and an extra faster 1 amp port to charge headlamps or lanterns more quickly.