Home Solar Power Systems - How Many Kilowatts (kWs) Are Created?

The first thing you might ask - what is solar radiationpoles are connected makes a big difference. Connect
and how does it related to solar generated electricity?Solar Panels in Series
A good question and one that is discussed in one ofWhen you connect residential solar energy systems in
our article dedicated to home solar power. This article,series, you connect the positive (+) pole on one
on the other hand, explains how kilowatts arecomponent to the negative (-) pole on the next. When
calculated based upon the energy output of your solarmodules are connected in series, the voltages are
array. We will also highlight the difference betweenadded. Adding voltage together in this fashion creates
solar cells connected in parallel versus in series.a long chain of solar modules all working together,
The average American home uses about 25 kWh ofdepending upon each other, and creating a flow of
electricity per day. The following example illustratescurrent that increases along the length of the system.
how to calculate the power produced by a residentialThese modules in series are called Strings. The
solar energy system. By consulting a solar radiationaverage string is 8-12 modules so the voltage would
map, we find that a house receives 5 hours of directbe 320 - 480. Unfortunately, we encounter some
solar radiation a day, averaged out throughout thenegative aspects of of this type of construction.
year.Connecting Solar Panels in Parallel
Solar radiation maps are highlighted on may websitesWhen you connect solar panels or components in
throughout the Internet. You can do a quick search forparallel, you connect the panels so current can travel
"solar radiation" to find one. They essentially plot theto your inverter and to your house via multiple paths.
amount of sunlight based upon time of year andUnlike adding solar modules in series which increases
physical location that will hit the United States in anythe volume of current as it goes, the solar panels
given area.connected in parallel has the effective of leaving the
Calculating the power from a solar energy systemcurrent or volume of electricity passing through the
Divide the average kWh per day by the average sunsystem the same.
hours per day. For this example, we take 25 kWhSolar panels or strings of solar arrays tied together in
divided by 5 hours of sun per day = 5 kW systemparallel are called parallel systems. Their amps are
This 5 kW system will generate 25 kWhs undercombined together but the total voltage remains the
optimal conditions in direct sunlight for 5 hours, or 25same. Adding amps is like increasing the volume, the
kWh on an average day with some at peakpressure stays the same but the volume goes up.
production and most of the sunlight at less than optimalInverters can only handle so much volume so you will
angles.seldom see more than 1 to 3 strings in parallel; positive
Future articles related to solar energy will continue toends to positive ends with negative ends to negative
explain the effects of sun angle, reflection, andends.
refraction on the design, output, and installation of solarOne of the advantages of parallel connection is that
panels.electricity continues to flow, even though one of the
Energy as it Pertains to Solar Modulescomponents (or strings) is damaged. If a system is
Individual solar modules that are measured in wattsentirely in series, one damaged component stops the
have a particular voltage (around 40 volts) and aentire system. You may remember the
particular amperage (around 5 amps). A solar moduleever-frustrating Christmas lights that were connected
with 40 volts and 5 amps is called a 200-watt module,in series. Often difficult to trouble shoot, strings of lights
which means that it has the potential to produce 200connected in series are hard to fix when one bulb
watts of electricity when in direct sunlight, away fromblew out. Now, the modern Christmas lights are
trees or shading, and clear of snow or debris. Sinceconnected in parallel. You can see this because there
most electrical components around your house areare two wires connecting each lamp. You can feel this
only rated for 600 volts DC, it is rare to see a solarvia their less frustrating maintenance and operation.
array with a string larger the 15 solar modules. On theOptions for Residential Solar Energy Systems
other hand, since inverters need a minimum voltage orIn this article, we explained in some detail how solar
pressure to turn them on, you will seldom have a solarmodules calculate the power they produce as well as
array with a string solar modules with a size smallerhow connecting solar arrays in series or parallel can
then 6.have an large impact on energy output as well as
Electrical components, like solar cells, panel modules orcomplexity of design. Our next article will cover how
batteries, can be connected in either series or parallel.sun angle affects solar energy systems and how to
This makes a big difference in the total quantities ofquantify the solar power produced from the sun.
energy produced from the solar energy system, asNew solar energy system rentals allow you to
well as the stability of the technology over time. Eachupgrade your home to solar generated electricity with
solar module or component has a positive and ano large system to purchase. You can rent the solar
negative pole. In essence, this is the same wayenergy equipment needed to generate up to 100
batteries have their negative and positive polespercent of your electricity needs. Exciting aspects
arranged. Take a look at how you but batteries in arelated to clean, green solar energy are emerging all
flashlight. Same idea here. The manner in which thesearound us.