| A photovoltaic system harnesses sunlight to produce | | | | ebooks people are building inexpensive solar panels |
| an electrical current. Photons from the sunlight bounce | | | | using kits or sourcing their own parts. High efficiency |
| electrons in the silicon solar cells to produce an | | | | systems are also getting developed using solar |
| electrical current. The DC power is then either | | | | tracking to optimize their sunlight conversion. |
| connected to the grid or stored in a battery. Inverters | | | | Compared to their commercial counterparts, these |
| are used to convert the DC power to AC power. | | | | systems cost a fraction of the price. These small |
| Grid Connected/ Grid Tied Systems | | | | scale pv solar systems are often connected to the |
| A grid connected system connects it's solar energy to | | | | grid and utilize net metering to pay off the price of the |
| a larger electrical grid. They vary in size from small | | | | initial materials. The typical system will generate up to |
| scale 2kWh residential solar installations up to several | | | | 2kWh. There is a growing trend to build solar panels |
| Megawatts for a solar farm. Grid connected systems | | | | for domestic use. In developing countries such as |
| require an inverter to convert the electricity from DC | | | | those in Africa, solar energy is being used off the grid |
| power to AC power. | | | | to power businesses and communities. |
| Small Scale PV Solar System | | | | Residential solar is making up a big part of the |
| The growing do-it-yourself community has given rise to | | | | electrical power in the decades to come. Do your part |
| hobbyists and clean energy enthusiasts who build their | | | | to produce home solar. |
| own solar pv systems. Through online groups and | | | | |