This week at green-home-building.com we are continuing our series on home solar panels. To see part 1 of the series click here.

 

Inverters

 

An inverter is a power electronic device that converts DC power into AC power. This is done through a series of electrical switching, controlled by a microcomputer. Inverters are not simple devices, and this is reflected in their cost. The inverter is the second most expensive component and will cost about 40 cents per watt. It is important to note that inverters have efficiency ratings, which tell you how much power they output compared the amount of power that was input. Cheaper inverters will inevitably have lower efficiency ratings. Unless you find a really good deal, you will not want an inverter that is less than 90% efficient. Inverters will usually also include monitoring and safety features, so you can think of them as the ‘brain’ of your system.

 

Tracking Devices

 

It is ok to simply angle your panel at the sun, but if you want maximum power output (and hence maximum return on investment) you will want to find a way to track the sun’s movement throughout the year (and perhaps even during the day). If you want to track the sun through the year, then you simply need to make angular adjustments to you panels every few weeks. The panels will point more vertically in the summer and more southerly in the winter. This minor adjustment can have a major impact on your power production.

 

If you have a bigger budget, you can install a mechanical tracking system that automatically follows the sun throughout the course of the day. This is done with sensors, microcontrollers, and motors. These systems can be quite expensive, so they are best saved for large solar projects.

 

Switches and Connections

 

You will want to ensure that your system has a manual shut down switch, for safety reasons. Ensure that everyone in the household knows how to shut it down in case of an emergency. You will also want to make sure that all wiring and connections are compliant with your local electrical code. If you are unsure of what this is, you may want to get a licensed electrician to wire the system for you.

 

 

Build Your Own Panels

 

If the cost of solar panels is too high, you may consider building your own. It is actually not as difficult as you think, and can save thousands in initial investments. Click Here for a great guide to building your own panels.