Solar Electric
PhotovoltaicsA power sorce that produces energy when exposed to light, solar power (solar electric systems) is a rapidly growing sector of the energy market. With growing concerns about the future
and security of the world's energy supply, renewable resources such as solar power are becoming increasingly important. Various solar energy technologies have been used throughout human history. However, practical photovoltaics, (the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity), has a history of only about 50 years. This field of study and the resulting industry have been rapidly growing and improving and are becoming a significant part of the world's energy source.
Solar power offers consumers the ability to generate electricity in an environmentally friendly way that produces no noise or pollution. Photovoltaics are often referred to a PV.
PV systems are being installed by many residents and businesses in Pennsylvania who already have grid-supplied electricityPublic utility power, energy that comes from a public power network but want to begin saving on energy costs. Many PV system owners place a high value on producing clean green energy.
Both on the grid and off the grid photovoltaic systemsPower from an independent source, such as a private solar panel or windmill are available for homes or business to use the sun as a clean and reliable energy source.
ON THE GRID
Grid-Tie Solar Systems supplement energy needs with electricity from a local utility when their PV system is not supplying enough energy (at nighttime and on cloudy days). Grid-tie solar systems also export excess electricity back to a local utility when the PV system is generating more energy than is needed.
OFF THE GRID
Stand-Alone Solar System are for locations that are far from, or do not use, existing power lines. PV systems can be used to power water pumps, 
electric fences or even an entire household.
These off grid solar power systems require batteries to store power generated by the solar modules; therefore the initial investment may be slightly more than that of the Grid-tie system. While off grid PV systems may require a substantial investment, they are usually cheaper than paying the costs associated with extending the electric utility grid.
Most solar power systems require a minimal amount of maintenance. However, regular inspections and maintenance are important to maximizing the output and reliability of the system.
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Solar power systems use cells,The part of a solar panel that converts sunlight into energy modules, A cluster of solar cells connected together and sealed into a waterproof package and arraysA solar panel. An array is made up of solar modules and is usually mounted on a rooftop or on the ground to capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy without creating air or water contamination.
Solar cells are made of at least two layers of semiconductor material. One layer has a positive charge, the other negative. When light enters the cell, some of the photons from the light are absorbed by the semiconductor atoms, freeing electrons from the cells' negative layer to flow through an external circuit and back into the positive layer. This flow of electrons produces electric current.
To increase their utility, dozens of individual solar electric cells are interconnected in a sealed, weatherproof package called a module. When two modules are wired together in series, their voltage is doubled while the current stays constant. When two modules are wired in parallel, their current is doubled while the voltage stays constant. To achieve the desired voltage and current, modules are wired in series and parallel into what is called a Photovoltaic array. The array is usually mounted on a rooftop or nearby on the ground.
The flexibility of the modular PV (photovoltaic) system allows us to create solar power systems that can meet a wide variety of electrical needs, no matter how large or small.[/collapse] [collapse collapsed title=The Right Equipment for the Job] A grid-connected (Grid-tie system) solar array will require a utility interactive DC to AC inverter.An inverter changes the electricity into a form that can be used by regular household appliances This inverter will convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the Photovoltaic array into alternating current (AC) electricity typically required for loads such as radios, televisions and refrigerators. Most utility interactive inverters include features to protect the inverter and connected equipment from damage from excessive temperatures, currents or power levels.
To store electricity from PVs (Stand-Alone solar system), batteriesA battery stores electric power for use in the future will be needed. The batteries used for PV systems are different from car batteries. The batteries best suited for use with PV systems are called secondary or deep cycle batteries. There are two types of deep cycle batteries: lead acid, which require the periodic addition of water, and captive electrolyte (or gel-cell) batteries, which are maintenance free.
In addition, solar energy systems require proper wiring, switches and fuses for safety, controllers to prevent the batteries from being overcharged or overly discharged, diodes to allow current to flow in the right direction, and grounding mechanisms to protect against lightning strikes.
We are equipped to supply all the needed solar system components for your application.
