Solar Systems for Generating Electricity

What does a solar electric (PV) system consist of?

Take a look at the image below. This diagram shows how a simple PV system will work with your home electrical components. The two main parts of a PV system are the modules and the inverter(s), which are the majority of the cost.

 When sunlight hits the modules they create a direct current (DC). The vast majority of houses use AC (alternating current) as the method of delivering electricty to our gadgets and applicances. In order to get the DC into AC format an inverter is needed.

 The remaining parts are referred to as BOS (balance of system) components. This includes the racking to hold the modules to the roof (3rd most costly part) and other boxes, wires, etc.

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