If we analyze two different photovoltaic system installations we can conclude that there is a very large variety of components that can be seen in an installation. These will depend both on the characteristics of the installation itself and the characteristics of the house (for example, height, orientation, type of roof or inclination, and space on the roof) and also on the needs and preferences of the buyer.
A very widespread practice, unfortunately, is the sale of solar panel kits or self-consumption kits. Many companies sell these packs for the installation of the photovoltaic system without taking into account any of the points that we have mentioned above that must be taken into account and they even sell the kits without including the installation work, directly to the owner of the house or warehouse or where the installation will be done. At Otovo we work with top quality components, adapting brands to the budget and needs of our customers. Later on, we will explain the characteristics of the main elements of our customized self-consumption photovoltaic “kits”.
But first, we are going to explain separately the main components of the classic solar panel kits. Not all of them are necessary for all systems, although we will always find some elements that are essential such as the plates themselves, the inverter, the wiring, or certain protections.
The main elements of solar panel kits for self-consumption
Although not all mandatory, solar panel kits are usually made up of the following components:
- solar panels
- investor
- optimizer
- cabling
- batteries
- protections
- consumption meters
- structures, support, and anchoring.
Plates
It is the most characteristic part of this type of installation, it is the most visible part and the one in charge of converting solar radiation into electrical energy. Among solar panels, we can find a lot of variety, by power, by size, by the quality, and by type of plates, monocrystalline or polycrystalline.
Investor
The electrical inverter is the brain of the installation, a fundamental component in any photovoltaic installation, and one of the elements present and one of the most expensive of the components. Its fundamental function is to convert the direct current it receives from the solar panels into alternating current to be able to use it at home. We can find different types of inverters such as those suitable for installations connected to the network, those used for isolated installations (with batteries), single or three-phase, hybrids if we want to install batteries in the future, and even microinverters, not so widespread for now in Spain.
Optimizer
We will need this element only in cases where parts of the installation are affected by shadows at some point during the day, what the optimizer will do is prevent those losses that can occur in a specific panel affect the rest of the system, which would greatly lower its performance. For an individual, understanding whether or not he needs this element in his installation is not an easy task.
Cabling
Obviously, without wiring to carry electrical energy from one place to another, we cannot do anything. We will need different types of cable if it is for direct or alternating current, that is, from the plates to the direct current inverter, from the inverter to the electrical panel of the house with alternating current. It is important to ensure that the wiring complies with the electrical regulations (solar cables for the connection between modules and inverter and halogen-free for the grid connection section).
Batteries
Batteries are energy storage systems and there is a great variety of combinations depending on consumption habits and the photovoltaic field installed. A very common mistake in people who do not know about these installations is to think that batteries must be installed. In the vast majority of cases, the facilities are without batteries, they are connected to the grid and at times when the system is not producing energy, we can continue to consume energy from the grid-like any other consumer. The problem with batteries is undoubtedly their high cost for the performance they give.
Protections
The protections (fuses, switches, differentials, ...) are elements of any installation that will make the entire electrical system installed safe. What must be installed are in direct current fuses and alternating magnetothermic and differential. We can also find many other types of protections such as DC disconnectors or surge arresters although they are not mandatory.
Consumption meter
This instrument will allow us, apart from seeing what we are producing, what we are consuming from our system. It is not mandatory and many of the facilities do not have it since knowing how much we are producing and how much we are consuming from the network we can easily reduce our consumption.
Structures, support, and anchors
The anchoring or fixing system of the panels to the roof of the building is made up of the structures, support, and anchoring, depending on the situation. It is generally fixed in the structure of the building itself. Depending on the characteristics of the roofs, we will need different types of structures for the installation of the plates. It is very important to respect the qualities and recommended safety measures since it is part of the installation that ensures that the panels are not going to fall and cause an accident. What will determine whether one type of structure or another is used is, on the one hand, the roof material and, on the other hand, the inclination, since in cases of flat roofs we will have to create that optimal inclination with a plate structure? solar.
CONCLUDE:
Solar Panels are now a day's options that give best results because it falls in green energy that saves energy & makes Life easier. So those who want to make their business easy i suggest you to go for commercial solar panels for your businesses as well.
