Solar panels are the most obvious and most notable piece of equipment in solar power systems. Mounted on the roof of the home, they’re right there for all the world to see, capturing sunlight and turning it into electricity. However, solar panels can’t do this important work alone; they need a lot of other equipment to get the job done. Keep reading to learn what other pieces of equipment you’ll need to build a complete solar power system.
Mounting/Racking Equipment
Solar panels need to be properly and securely mounted to your roof to avoid damage to the panel and the roofing material alike. It’s important that you purchase proper mounting and racking equipment for the type of roof you have. These racking systems can vary depending on whether you have a flat or sloped roof, and the mounting method will differ depending on whether you have asphalt shingles, slate tiles, metal sheeting, or another type of roofing material. Consult with an expert to make sure you get the panels mounted with all the right gear.
Solar Inverter
When solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, they’re converting it into direct current, or DC, electricity. This is energy that flows in a single direction, and is generally not usable for most modern homes. The lights and most appliances in your house require alternating current, or AC, electricity, which flows back and forth in both directions. In order to change the DC power your panels make into the AC power your home needs, you’ll need to install a solar inverter. This device is usually mounted on the side of your home, either on the exterior or inside a garage or basement. It also provides intelligent monitoring of your system and smart energy management, so you can keep your system operating more efficiently.
Proper Wiring
Of course, nothing is going to be able to operate unless it’s wired in correctly. You’ll need plenty of wiring running between panels, from the panels to the inverter, and from your inverter to your home. But keep in mind that not any wiring will do. You need the proper gauge of wiring to ensure that electricity can flow smoothly and freely into your home; too small of a gauge, and you won’t be able to get the supply of power you need for high-demand devices. It’s also important to note that wiring runs should be kept as short as possible to reduce energy loss as electricity flows through the wiring.
The above, along with solar panels, just creates a basic functioning solar power system. In some cases, you may need other devices like batteries and accompanying charge controllers as well. So, when you’re looking for a wholesale solar panel supplier, make sure that you’re also checking for the rest of the equipment that you’ll need to build a fully functional and efficient system.
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