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Introduction
A solar module is made up of multiple photovoltaic cells
wired together in series and/or parallel to achieve a desired
power output.
Each cell produces
approximately 0.5 Volt. The
cells are encased in a frame
to protect them from the
environment. The modules
(silver or black) are flat plat
technology with mono
crystalline silicon cells
which produce 270 watts.
The rating on each module
indicates the nominal DC
power output in watts of a
module when it is in bright
sunlight in 25 degree C
conditions, and the sun’s
rays are perpendicular to
the surface of the module Because the microinverter operates
at about 96% efficiency, the AC output of the system will be
approximately 4% less than the peak DC output. So, at peak
conditions, a 265 watt module will produce up to about 259
watts of power.
Each module operates independently, so if one is shaded or
dirty the adjacent modules will still operate to maximize their
energy output. The microinverter is factory-installed on the
back of the module. Because the microinverter is pre-wired,
grounded and mounted, there are fewer parts that must be
assembled on the roof or side of a house.
In real-world conditions, as the sun rises, moves across the
sky and sets throughout the day, the output of the modules
will increase from about zero at dawn to a peak of about
195-235 watts (depending on season, sun angle, mounting
angle and roof orientation), and then decline again to zero.
How the SunSource
®
Home Energy System
Works
1.
Photovoltaic modules are installed in an area that has
good solar exposure throughout the year, generally a
south-facing roof.
2.
When sunlight shines on the solar module(s), their
built-in microinverter(s) produce 240 volt alternating
current power synchronized to the utility’s power grid.
Each module has a dedicated microinverter.
3.
The 240-volt alternating current (AC) from the
microinverter(s) is wired through a circuit breaker into
the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC)
outdoor unit. This power can be used to operate the
HVAC unit and/or the power can be re-directed into the
home’s main distribution panel to handle other power
demands in the home. When the produced power is
more than the home needs, the excess power can flow
into the utility grid, running the electric meter in a
backward direction.
4.
The electric bill is reduced because the homeowner only
pays for the net electricity used.
OUTDOOR UNIT
(SUNSOURCE
SOLAR
SUB-PANEL
INSTALLED)
STANDARD
OUTLET
COMMUNICATION
MODULE
BROADBAND
INTERNET
CONNECTION
PERFORMANCE
MONITORING
WEBSITE
SOLAR
MODULES
FUTURE
SOLAR
MODULES
ELECTRICAL
PANEL
Figure 1. SunSource
®
Home Energy System
