Solar Power
Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Sunlight to the grid
In the past, batteries were needed to store the electrical power being generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels. This was an inefficient method of energy storage and dramatically added to the up-front cost of solar power.
Batteries are still required in remote locations, but for grid connected properties, we can now use the grid as the 'battery'.
Grid connected systems explained
Following is a simple explanation of how you can generate your own solar power and sell it back to the grid at a substantial premium.
Photovoltaic solar panels from Kyocera Solar installed on your roof are connected together in series to form a 'string'. The number of panels that form the string is dependent on the required voltage of the inverter. In some case there may be multiple sets of panels connected in strings depending on the size of the system.
The direct current (DC) strings are consolidated in a "combiner box" into a single pair of heavy gauge positive and negative cables. The combiner box also houses fuses in case of lightning strikes.
These heavier cables are able to carry the DC longer distances without line loses sapping the system efficiency. The cables are connected to the inverter, which efficiently converts the DC into alternating current (AC) electricity.
From the inverter the AC is exported to the grid through a special export meter installed by the local power authority. The export meter effectively runs backwards, tracking all of the solar electricity you produce.
It is important to understand that the solar electricity being produced does not enter the electrical circuit of your house, it goes directly from your roof, through the inverter and onto the grid.
This simple explanation shows just one configuration we use depending on the requirements of the customer and the layout of the electrical circuits. Please contact us to arrange a site visit to determine the correct metering scheme for your property.