What Are Basic Components For Your Home Solar PV System?

Home Solar Power – Straightforward and Economical

Considering the magic they work, home solar power systems are refreshingly simple. You just need panels to collect the sun’s energy, an inverter to convert it into usable form, and the electrical framework to deliver it around your home.

As for costs of home solar power systems have been dropping for years. This is set to continue as competition intensifies and manufacturers take advantage of technological advances and economies of scale.

In essence, solar panels represent great value despite the reduction in the Feed-in Tariff. Meanwhile, traditional power costs have nowhere to go but up.

• Home solar power components comprise the panels themselves, mounting equipment to fix them to the roof, and the electrical setup that handles and controls the current.
• An average home requires a solar panel system that delivers 3kW. This will cost you between £4,000 and £6,200.
• Inverters are usually included in the overall quote from your installer and run from £500-£1000 new.
  Costs for home solar installations are in a downtrend.

Now let’s look a the components in more detail.

1. The solar cells

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are the core of any solar energy system and represent the largest financial outlay. Their actual cost depend on size, required energy rating, type and brand, and any site-related issues that affect ease of installation.

Typical costs currently run from around £4000 for a small installation (8 panels delivering 2 kWp), up to £7200 for a large one (16 panels delivering 4 kWp). As a rough guideline, a 2.8 kWp system should produce around 35% of annual electricity requirements for the average home.

*kWp = Kilowatt peak, the maximum amount the system can generate.

Next, we look at the all-important matter of how the panels are fixed into place.

2. What’s in a Mounting System?

On-roof mounting is the most common setup for home solar panels. Panels are heavy and need to be positioned properly.

Solar panels are encased in a sturdy aluminium frame which is fitted onto your roof using specialised kits. These contain the necessary accessories such as steel and plastic clamps and roof hooks.

The cost of these mounting kits varies according to the type of roof. A flat roof would need extra gear to pitch the panels to face south, for example.

Once you’ve got your panels fixed to your roof receiving the sun’s energy, it’s time to consider how to put that power to work.

3. The Ins and Outs of Inverters

The inverter is the beating heart of your solar power system. Its role is to transform DC current from the panels into AC current that powers your home appliances.

When issues arise with a home solar power system, this component is usually at fault. That means quality inverters are a must. Expect to pay £500-£1000 for an established brand of string type inverter.

Once the power has been converted, it has to be controlled, measured and delivered.

4. Key Electrical Infrastructure

Other key components of a home solar panel system comprise the Balance of Systems or BoS. These are all the electrical bit and bobs such as wiring, fuse boxes, and power meters.

Of special importance is the disconnect switch which allows the system to be switched off in an emergency.

These components are relatively inexpensive though labour costs can mount up.

Other options include monitoring systems to keep a check on how your system is performing, and solar battery storage systems.

A Solid Investment and a Bright Future with Solar Energy

As you can see, the initial investment in solar power for your home isn’t cheap.

But remember that in addition to slashing your electricity bills, you’ll be adding to the value of your property. And to top it off, you’ll enjoy that feel good factor that comes from helping the environment.

Are you ready to join the 600000+ UK homeowners reaping the benefits of clean and affordable solar power? Click here to compare quotes in your area.