You are interested in renewable energy sources, and you are aware of solar panels, but you are unsure of what a solar array is. A solar panel system’s solar array is its most crucial component. A solar panel array is a collection of interconnected solar panels that together convert solar radiation into electricity. If you are interested in solar arrays, please read on for more information.
What Is A Solar Array?
Simply put, a solar array is a collection of multiple solar panels that generate electricity as a system. When a solar panel installer talks about solar arrays, they usually mean the solar panels themselves and where they are placed.
Direct current (DC) electricity is created when sunlight strikes an array of solar panels. The inverter system is connected to the array, and it transforms the DC electricity into usable alternating current (AC) electricity.
Although it can be used to describe virtually any collection of solar panels, the term “solar array” is frequently also used to describe large-scale solar farms. The residential solar arrays that are typically installed on your roof will be covered in the remaining sections of this article.
What Materials Are Used In Solar Arrays?
A solar array is made up of several solar panels that have been connected by wiring. Solar panels, in turn, are a collection of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, covered with protective glass and held together with a metal frame. Solar cells are constructed from extremely thin slices of semiconductor material, usually silicon.
The photovoltaic process, in which photons from sunlight separate silicon’s electrons from the material to produce an electric charge, is how individual solar cells produce electricity. Because of this procedure, solar panel systems are also known as “PV systems.”‘
The desired system size as well as the desired power output, or wattage, of each individual panel, determine the number of solar panels to be used. For instance, a 7,000-watt (7 kW) residential solar system could be created with either 19 solar panels that can produce 375 watts per panel or 28 solar panels that can produce 250 watts each.
How Do Solar Arrays Function?
A solar array can be used to produce energy for at least 25 years (their warranted life) because solar panels are durable. There are no moving parts, fuel, or owner-involved interventions during the energy production process.
Here’s a brief description of how a solar array can provide power for a home solar energy system:
- Energy creation: Direct Current (DC) electricity is produced when sunlight strikes the solar cells in the array, activating them.
- Energy conversion: After that, the DC power is transferred to an inverter, where it is changed into AC energy that can be used in a home.
- Energy consumption: Once that is done, the 120/240 volt AC power supply is either used locally (i.e. by the home) or exported to the grid, from which it can be distributed to others who need power.
Where Could Solar Arrays Be Installed?
Anywhere with good access to sunlight is suitable for installing solar arrays.
The roof of a house is the most typical location for a solar array installation. It should ideally be on a rooftop area with a south-facing slope. The most sun is received by solar arrays facing south in the United States, which results in the highest power output.
Installing a solar array on ground mounts is an additional choice. In more rural areas, where land is typically less expensive, solar farms or other similar facilities frequently use this option.
Solar arrays can be installed on surfaces other than roofs. One such choice is solar canopies, as well as solar pergolas, patios, and gazebos.
Going on a weekend trip? Vehicles can also have solar arrays mounted on top of them. Boats are starting to include solar arrays, and solar power has long been a well-liked option for RVs.
Additionally, solar panels have long been used in off-grid environments like hunting cabins in conjunction with energy storage devices like solar batteries.
Last but not least, there are more specialized places for solar arrays, like those that are built into structures.
How Important Is The Location Of Your Solar Arrays?
Asking any installer about the system design and the proposed location for the solar panels is undoubtedly important. A solar array facing directly south in the Northern Hemisphere will generate more electricity than one facing west, east, or north because it will get more hours of sunlight.
While they are frequently used, rooftops are by no means the only place to put your solar panels. Installing a ground mount might be a better option if you have lots of sunny lands available. Since ground-mounted arrays are not limited by the size of a roof and can be faced and tilted for maximum production, they can actually produce more electricity over time.
Solar panels can also be found on carports and gazebos, in addition to rooftops. You might need to ask around to find an installer in your area who can design and install this type of system because these installation types aren’t as common. Because more components are needed for the installation of a standalone structure, there may be some additional costs involved.
How Many Panels Are Necessary For Your Solar Arrays?
Your electricity bill size is one of many factors that will determine how many solar panels you require. Try to cover as close to 100 percent of your electricity usage as you can to maximize your savings. If you have different energy requirements for your home than your neighbor, this might require you to install a few more solar panels.
The location of the panels, both in terms of your geographic location and the design itself, affects how many panels you need to cover your electricity usage. All other factors being equal, one solar panel in California will geographically produce more electricity than one in New York because California receives more sunlight annually.
The production of your solar panel system is estimated by installers based on your geographic location, and they will suggest a design as a result.
Another important consideration is the array’s precise location and the direction it faces. You’ll need to install more panels if your roof faces east or west in order to produce the same amount as you would if it faced south.
How Can A Solar Array Be Sized?
A solar panel system’s ability to generate electricity is referred to as its “solar array size.” Under normal circumstances, a solar system with a capacity of 6 kilowatts will generate 6,000 watts, whereas a solar array with a capacity of 300 watts can generate 300 watts of electricity.
Your energy usage, the amount of roof space you have, and the amount of sunlight you receive (measured in peak sun hours) where you live all play a role in determining the size of the solar array that will work best for you.
Let’s assume you want a solar array big enough to wipe out your electricity bill. In that case, a solar panel array with a 1,000 kWh monthly output (the typical U.S. home consumes this much, according to the EIA, but your energy requirements may differ).
What Are Solar Arrays’ Prices?
In the United States, the average price of a full home solar panel system is between $18,000 and $20,000. According to our cost information, the pre-incentive price for each installed watt of solar energy is between $2.75 and $3.35.
The solar array’s equipment will cost between $5,800 and $7,850 of that total.
The price of the solar inverter(s) and the cost of the installation itself make up the majority of the remaining system cost.
Can More Than One Solar Array Be Installed?
In some circumstances, your installer will suggest a solar power system made up of several arrays connected to one another and supplying power to the same meter. Because more installation labor is needed to install more arrays, the cost of installation may increase.
Additionally, you may want to think about using either power optimizers or microinverters as your inverter solution if you install multiple arrays that are facing various directions. Power optimizers and microinverters, also referred to as module-level power electronics (MLPE), assist solar panel systems with complex designs in producing electricity effectively.
A standard central string inverter’s underperformance of one panel can have an impact on the output of the other panels on the same circuit.