Solar power is the future of energy. The world cannot rely on fossil fuels to meet the rising demands of a power-hungry world, and as the demand rises, so will the devastating effects of greenhouse gases. As governments push for cleaner energy sources and awareness around creating a sustainable planet grows, a higher section of society will switch to greener options such as solar, wind, and water energy.
A solar power system is the best way to embrace this change and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels for energy and your overall carbon footprint on the planet. In this article, we will explore the functioning of solar power systems in brief and talk about the essential components that make up a solar power system.
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What is a Solar Power System?
A solar power system helps convert sunlight into electricity by either using photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, or both. While photovoltaics makes use of PV panels, concentrated power systems make use of lenses, mirrors, and solar tracking systems to transform a large area of sunlight into a focused beam of light.
However, for this article, we will be focusing on the photovoltaics method as they are the most common form of solar power system for the home.
Components of a Solar Power System
A solar power system is made up of various components. Let’s look at a few of the essential components that are a part of this system.
PV Panels
They are also known as solar panels, which you commonly see on rooftops. They help in capturing sunlight and converting it to electricity and are widely used across households to power appliances. There are basically two types of PV panels that you can choose from:
- Monocrystalline: They are the oldest form of solar panels in use and have undergone decades of development, making them highly efficient. However, they are expensive.
- Polycrystalline: Although they are less efficient than the former, they are less expensive, making them a more popular choice.
Solar Inverter
Depending on your load requirement and whether you want to rely on the main grid for additional power or want to be self-reliant for your power demands, you can choose between a multitude of solar inverters. However, all of them mostly fall under two distinct categories:
- On-Grid Solar Inverters: Although they generate their own electricity, they are dependent on the main grid to draw power in case of a power deficit.
- Off-Grid Solar Inverters: They have zero reliance on the main grid and can generate electricity on their own. Any additional power generated is stored in batteries to be used in case of a power deficit, making them an ideal option for households that want to generate 100% of their power requirements themselves without any connection to the main grid.
Batteries
They are used to store excess energy generated by the power panels to be used in case of a power failure or power deficit. You have multiple options to choose from, depending on the type of battery as well as load handling capabilities.
Solar Charge Controllers
A solar charge controller is an essential component responsible for modulating the flow of power from the solar panels to the batteries. You essentially have two options when it comes to solar charge controllers: PWM- Pulse Width Modulation and MPPT- Maximum Power Point Tracking. However, the former is simpler and inexpensive compared to the latter.
Getting a solar power system for your home is one of the wisest decisions you can make; not only will you save money, but you will also be reducing your overall carbon footprint. It’s a step in the right direction. Luminous has a range of solar power systems for households built using the latest technology. In case you are looking for an adequately powered system manufactured with the highest-grade materials, do check out their extensive portfolio right away!