Photovoltaic (PV) cells are series of solid-state semiconductors that utilize solar radiation (sunshine) to create electricity. Their primary ingredient is silicon, which is common to most other electronics such as computer chips, transistors and LEDs.
Layering several of these conductive elements according to their electronic properties creates solar cells. Notice that some of the solar cells look different. This is based upon the type of silicon used. Polycrystalline (or “many crystals”) cells look like fragmented pieces of glass. These were originally a lot cheaper to manufacture, however do not deliver the same efficiency as the polycrystalline’s big sister, the monocrystalline (or “one crystal”) solar cell. These beauties are derived from a single silicon crystal and offer the most efficiency available today in the solar industry. As the electronics industry has tapered off, along with a significant increase in solar manufacturing capacity, monocrystaline cells have become significantly cheaper, making efficienty technology more affordable than ever.
These cells are then arranged in long ribbons, usually consisting of 6-10 solar cells. Several of these ribbons are then aligned next to each other on a layer of tempered glass. Then a sealing element, known as a laminate, is layered across the back of the panel. These laminated ribbons are then placed into a process that adds an aluminum frame. All these solar cells have now become a “solar module” or most commonly referred to as a “solar panel.”
Now lets fast forward a bit and get to your home. Using a racking apparatus, our Energy Integrators will bolt an aluminum frame to your rafters (or cement them into the ground depending on the application). This guarantees that the next El Nino won’t take your panels to the neighbor’s yard.
After the frame has been set, we will then mount the panels to the framing network and bolt them down snug. Here, we connect all the wires in a fashion that balances your system to the inverter. While the array (several panels set up in a system) is being installed, an Energy Integrator will be installing your inverter and panel connections. When everything has been connected, then you will begin producing your own electricity.
After all work has been completed and inspected, the switch is flipped and your system comes to life. As sunshine beams down from the sky, your array will collect the radiation and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. This travels through wiring down to your inverter, which turns this DC electricity into AC (or alternating current) electricity that can be used in the home by your appliances. This AC electricity runs through some disconnect equipment and into your utility panel, where you use what you need and sell the rest back to the utility company. An interesting fact, if you are producing more than you are using, often times, the person buying the power from your electric provider is your neighbor! How fun to know that you are producing the electricity for your neighborhood.
Another interesting fact is that in the event of a power outage, your system will continue to produce electricity. This is very dangerous for linemen (contractors who work on power lines) so every PV system installed by Echo Energies incorporates technology that automatically shuts off your inverter and isolates your array in the event of a power outage. This way, service men can operate in safety, making your solar system an even greater contribution to the community.
