1. PV Components & Types of PV Systems
You will all learn a lot about solar in the next few days, but I want to give everyone a basic foundation to start with. Handout Basic Solar Terms sheet.
Brittany Heller & Kari Burman
Workforce Development & Volunteer Department

2. Module Overview Components of a Solar PV System
Solar Installations Requirements
Types of Solar PV Systems

4. Direct Current (DC) & Alternating Current (AC)
DC = direct current
Where?
Solar panels
Batteries
Few appliances made for boats or RVs
AC = alternating current
Where?
In our homes and buildings
Power lines/the grid
All the outlets in this room

5. PV Cells – Modules - Arrays

6. DC Disconnect
The DC Disconnect is a switch used to open and close the DC circuits
This shuts off power from the PV array

7. Inverter
An Inverter changes DC electricity (from the solar panels) to AC electricity (for your home)
This is a string inverter.

8. Micro-Inverters
Micro-inverters are small inverters that go under each solar module on the roof.
Shows production of each individual module

9. AC Disconnect
The AC Disconnect is a switch used to open and close the AC circuits
This shuts off power from the inverter to the AC Service Panel

10. Production Meter
The production meter measures the energy produced (kWh) from the PV panels

11. Main Service Panel (breaker box)
An electrical service panel is the central point of electrical distribution throughout a building
The panel houses the circuit breakers for individual AC branch circuits

12. Utility Meter
The utility meter measures the energy used (kWh) from the grid
In Net-Metered systems the meter will spin backwards when extra power from the PV panels is put back on the grid

13. Module Overview Components of a Solar PV System
Solar Installations Requirements
Types of Solar PV Systems

14. Plan Sets

15. National Electrical Code (NEC)

16. Module Overview Components of a Solar PV System
Solar Installations Requirements
Types of Solar PV Systems

17. Grid Tied Solar System Connected to “the grid” Doesn’t have batteries
Won’t work when the power is out
Most common for consumers
This is what GRID Alternatives CO installs

18. PV Direct System Most basic type of solar
Doesn’t work if the sun isn’t shining
Only suitable in certain applications, such as, water pumping or running an attic fan

19. Off-Grid Solar System Most commonly used at remote locations
Will work when the sun isn’t shining like at night or when it’s cloudy
Energy is limited to what can be stored in batteries (unless there’s a generator or wind power)
Has batteries and charge controller (more $$$)

20. Grid-Tied with Battery Backup
Still utilizes the grid but also has battery storage
Homeowners can still use battery/solar energy even in a grid outage
Also expensive $$$

21. Get Involved.
gridalternatives.org