There are three types of a solar power system, that is:
- Grid-tied
- Off-grid
- Backup solar generators
Going solar with Grid-tied solar power systems
These solar power systems are grid-connected and are commonly found where the electric grid is available. They are designed to be stabilized by the grid such that any excess power from the solar power system is routed into the electric grid for compensation by the utility company through a process called net-metering.
In net metering, a bi-directional meter is connected to the solar power system and the utility grid to measure electricity flows from both the grid and the PV system.
Because the availability of the sun is limited to during the day, this means at night, unless connected to batteries, the utility grid stabilizes your solar power system.
As a result, the bi-directional meter will move forward at night when you are consuming power from the grid and backward during the day when you are producing your own solar power.
If you are interested in learning more about how much a grid-tied solar power system will cost you, check out this solar panel cost calculator from the EnergySage for more details.
The best solar panels for homeowners
For homeowners, depending on the size of your home (i.e. how many bedrooms you have) you may want to consider the solar panel cost, quality, financing, type, size, and best solar panels that you intend to install.
The number of bedrooms in a house does not necessarily correspond to the size of your solar power system, but the amount of energy consumed in your household will determine this.
The size of the solar power system for your home is dependent on the electricity load or the number of appliances you generally use. The amount of energy consumption for your house helps to determine whether you need a 5kW, 6kW, or a 10kW solar power system.
In the USA, the average three-bedroom home will require roughly 6,000 Watts (6kW) – about 20 solar panels- and this can cost between $18,000 to $22,000 before any tax credits or rebates.
Typically, the following can guide you about the size of the solar power system you need depending on how many bedrooms you have in your house i.e.
- 5kW solar power system for a two (2) bed-roomed house
- 6kW solar power system for a three (3) bed-roomed house
- 10 kW solar power system for a five (5) bed-roomed house and above
To get more accurate data, in terms of the solar power system size, cost, and the number of solar panels you may need for your household, use this solar panel cost calculator from the EnergySage to help you to get started in the right direction.
The best solar panels for businesses
Finding the right solar panels or solar power system will depend on very many factors, including the cost, quality, financing, type, size, or brand of the solar panels used.
Solar panels have very many applications in different business sectors, including but not limited to:
- Solar power systems for manufacturing
- Solar power systems for agriculture (e.g. poultry and dairy farms etc)
- Solar power systems for the commercial sector (i.e. office building and department stores etc)
Today there are various solar brands in the solar market including but limited Renogy, Eco-Worthy, All Powers, Unisolar, etc as captured on Amazon.com
If you are not sure what solar power system or solar panels that you are interested, you can check the EnergySage Online Solar Marketplace that will present you with the best prices possible as well as a platform that you can help you compare, contrast solar panels while getting pre-screened solar installers in your local area. Learn more at EnergySage.
Off-grid solar power systems & Backup solar generators
Off-grid solar power systems are solar energy applications that are used in remote places where there is no utility grid.
Because there is no grid to stabilize these systems, batteries are used to provide this support so that excess solar power generated from the sunshine during the day can be stored in batteries to be used at night.
You can find out more using this off-grid load calculator by entering the daily usage for different appliances in your household or business, for the following applications:
- General household: Air conditioner, ceiling fan, radio/phone transmit.
- Kitchen appliances: Refrigerator/freezer, electric oven, coffee pot, dishwasher, microwave.
- Lighting: Incandescent, compact fluorescent.
- Entertainment: cellular telephone, computer printer, computer (desktop), computer (laptop), TV.
- Tools: Drill, electric mower, weed eater.
Enter the daily usage for the above appliances on the off-grid load calculator to see how much energy is used. Once you figure out this then you can get a free quote for an off-grid solar power system for you.
Backup solar generators are generally used when there are power blackouts or power outages. You can learn more about backup solar generators at Amazon.com.