A solar power system isn't too complicated to understand, and you'll want to know how a system works so you know exactly what you need to buy to make sure you'll have enough power for your needs. Here are the main aspects of solar system construction.

Solar Racks

Solar panels are attached to racks rather than being screwed directly to your roof. Racks are often made of aluminum so they are lightweight. They attach to your roof in different ways depending on the type of roofing you have. They are screwed onto asphalt shingle roofs and clamped on metal roofs. Racks can attach to all types of roofs, even flat roofs. The racks are on legs when put on a flat roof so the solar panels can be adjusted at the perfect angle.

Solar Panels Or Shingles

Solar panels are installed directly on the racks. They may cover the surface of your roof or just be put on the sides that get the most sun. Your solar installer has to calculate how many panels your home needs to power your house. They also have to account for shady areas of your roof and the slope of your roof to figure out how much sunlight the panels get each day.

Solar panels are a main component of solar system construction. The panels collect energy from the sun so it can be used in your home. Solar shingles are an alternative to panels that are becoming more popular. These are sometimes used instead of solar racks and panels.

Solar shingles are attached to your roof in a manner similar to the way asphalt shingles are installed so the solar shingles are flat and attractive. Everything else about the solar system setup is the same. You can talk to your solar installer about whether solar panels or shingles are right for your home.

An Inverter

An inverter is an important part of a solar system because your home couldn't use the energy the panels capture without an inverter. Solar panels create DC energy. Your home uses AC energy, so the job of an inverter is to convert DC to AC so the power is usable by your home. The AC power is then sent to your electrical panel so it is used just like electricity that comes from the grid.

An important thing to know about an inverter is that it is also needed to send power to a battery. When you install your solar system initially, you may not be sure you want a battery. If you don't get one, the inverter the installer chooses may not work with the battery you get later. You can always add a battery later, but you might need to get a new inverter too.

Battery Storage

Your solar system only works as long as the sun is shining. That means your system switches back to the power grid at night and when it rains. The only way around this is to install a battery. A solar battery can last for several hours before it has to be recharged by the sun.

If you want your home to be completely off the grid and work off of your battery for extended periods, you'll probably need multiple batteries. The solar installer can calculate your energy needs and determine how many batteries you should get. The batteries can be mounted in your garage with the inverter or on an exterior wall.

For additional information, contact a solar panel system installation service in your area such as Evergreen Renewables.