How Does Solar Power Work?
Basics of Solar Panel Installation in St. George
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Not sure how solar power works? You’re not alone. The technology is captivating, but it can also seem quite daunting. Imagine if it were as simple as taking any old appliance and swapping a few parts around.
Once you’ve tapped into the power of solar panels, you can take advantage of the sun’s natural energy and see lower energy bills. Who can complain about that? Of course, making the decision to do so means learning whether or not your home is a good candidate for solar.
Learn more about the basics of solar panel installation in St. George and how SunPower by Custom Energy can help you reach energy independence!
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What is Solar Power?
To understand how a solar panel works, you must first understand what it’s try to capture and create: solar energy and solar power.
Solar energy is simply the energy from the sun. Solar power harnesses the heat and light from the sun and turns it into electricity. Solar power can be used in many different ways; to heat and cool your home, provide electricity for your electronics or even heat your water.
The beauty of solar energy is that this energy source is free, unlimited and available worldwide. But not everyone has access to solar power yet. As a result, a lot of research is being done to make solar panels more accessible and affordable to people everywhere.
There are two types of solar power: photovoltaic (PV) systems for converting sunlight directly into electricity; and concentrated solar power (CSP), which uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto small areas to produce electricity.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels absorb sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity. A PV system consists of a panel or an array of panels, an inverter, a battery system (for off-grid systems), mounting hardware, and interconnection wiring.
Capturing Solar Energy
The sun is a natural fusion reactor. When it fuses hydrogen atoms, energy is released and travels to the earth in photons - light particles. Solar cells absorb these photons, making electrons move around in silicon atoms. This movement creates an electrical current that can power things such as lights, appliances and even homes.
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Panels warranted at an industry-best 92% power in year 25
AC System Warranty
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Comprehensive Product and Power Coverage
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25 years for everything on your roof (including panels, microinverters and mounting)
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10 years for everything not on your roof (including monitoring hardware and storage)
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Get peace of mind with the only home solar warranty to cover your whole system (not just the panels), so you never have to wonder which company you can depend on.
Not only does SunPower offer the most complete system warranty for solar in St. George, there are even more reasons SunPower by Custom Energy is the best solar company in St. George.
What are the Components of a Solar Panel Setup?
The basics of solar panel installation involves four main components: panels, mounts/racking, an inverter and a battery backup (if home energy storage is desired). To better understand how each one works together to power your home with sunshine, let's take a closer look at each.
Solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity is then sent through your home's electrical system, powering lights and appliances. Any excess electricity generated by your solar panels can be stored in your home's battery bank (if you have one) or sent to the grid for use elsewhere.
The solar panel mounts and racking are the hardware that secures the solar panels to a roof or ground. They can be made of aluminum, steel or stainless steel. The mounting system is usually designed to ensure that water and snow drain properly off the panels while keeping them secure.
An inverter is needed to convert the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power that can be used to run your appliances. The inverter is usually installed right next to your house's electrical panel. The higher the wattage output of the inverter, the more solar power you will be able to convert and store in your battery bank for later use.
With a solar panel battery backup, you can enjoy the freedom to generate your electricity without relying on the local power grid. During a power outage, you'll stay energized by using your stored energy until the utility company restores power. This is beneficial for homeowners who live in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural disasters since outages are common during these events.
We make sure you get the most for your money. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Very good experience from initial contact, education on solar, competitive pricing, excellent coordination of professional installation and outstanding follow up! Very happy with system!— Mark Lyons
Posted July 28th 2022
I had a SunPower system (35 panels and 2 batteries) installed by Custom Electrical (Custom Energy). I found them knowledgeable and easy to work with from the project start to finish. The design and install crews did excellent work and took my concerns into account. Their work was completed on time and on budget. I would use them again in the future and I certainly recommend them.— Steve Kaylor
Posted April 3rd 2022
We contacted Custom Energy late in the fall hoping that our system could be installed before year end. They worked quickly with the design and permitting process and installation was completed in December. They did a very professional job and everything works like it is supposed to.— ROBERT FOLEY
Posted March 29th 2022
Choosing SunPower by Custom Energy St. George's Top Solar Company Choice
SunPower is the solar provider of choice for the world’s leading organizations and discerning homeowners. SunPower by Custom Energy is proud to bring this same solar provider of choice to the local residents of St. George as the top Master dealer of SunPower in St. George!
A+ Rating
Better Business Bureau*
500+
Five-star reviews on ConsumerAffairs*
35+
U.S. government installations
45 States
With SunPower® solar on their homes
*As of November 2020.
Basics of Solar Panel Installation in St. George
Choosing solar power from SunPower by Custom Energy Solar is a great way to reduce your energy bills, and it's easy! All you have to do is save up your money for the system. Depending on the type of system you choose, you may need to upgrade your energy service panel to accommodate the new (larger) batteries.
It is a big decision whether to install solar power, and it is the first thing you should do is gain a better understanding of the basics of solar panel installation. One can save thousands of dollars on buying electricity from power companies through solar energy, and some paid-for installations give their warranty.
Contact SunPower by Custom Energy for a solar power consultation today!
