Energy Audit | Weatherization | Solar | How it Works | Rebates | Process | Benefits | Retail Energy
SOLAR - How It Works
Solar panels convert the suns energy into DC (Direct Current) electricity. Since your building is operated on AC (Alternating Current), the DC must be converted into AC by means of a DC/AC inverter. The conversion allows connection to your existing breaker panel where it powers your entire building. Furthermore, you are provided with a Net-Meter which is a special bi-directional meter that allows electricity to flow back and forth to your utility provider.
This arrangement is called a Grid-Tie Solar System. This is the most economical and typical system to have installed as it does not require batteries. The reason it does not require batteries is because you are essentially using your utility provider as the battery source. During the day when your solar system is collecting energy, the Net-Meter will spin backwards which provides you with a credit with your utility provider. During the night when your solar system is no longer collecting energy, the Net-Meter will now spin forwards which consumes the credit from the production during the day. Your system is designed based on your annual electric usage (kwh/yr) so if you have a solar system designed to eliminate your total annual usage, this back and forth relationship will ultimately end in a $0.00 bill by the end of the year.
Will Solar Work For My Building?
These key factors need to be kept in mind in order to achieve optimal utilization of solar insolation. M2M Energy uses the latest technology in sun/shade analysis to ensure proper array placement.
Southern Exposure: 
Whether it’s on the roof or ground, you will need a generally south facing sky - although east and west facing locations will work, in order to achieve optimal performance of your solar system it is recommended to have your panels face south.
Shading:
Does a tree or adjacent building cast a shadow over your roof or proposed ground location? Shade is a major impedance of solar collection as the conductors inside the panels CANNOT be shaded. We use the latest in shade and sun analysis equipment to ensure that the proposed location will not be affected by shade or limiting shade to the early morning or evening.
Location:
A major factor is available space. Some roofs may not be solar friendly as some may have several peaks and valleys that make it possible for only a small amount of solar panels, while other roofs are simple rectangular shapes that can accommodate a large amount of panels. For available ground space, if this was the original intent chances are there is ample room to install a practical solar system and provides much more flexibility for directional placement. However when on the ground, the determining factor will be the distance from the panels to the main breaker panel or meter.
Types of Installations
|
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
©Copyright 2010 M2M Energy, LLC. All Rights Reserved 
