Products.

PV Modules.
The main component of any solar system is the solar panel. These panels come in the form of panels, roof shingles and standing seam roof panels. What ever there form these panels are made of single crystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and non-crystalline silicon in the form a semi conductor to perform the immediate conversation of light into direct current (DC) energy.



Inverters.
The inverter is a transformer that receives DC electricity for the solar panel and converts it to high-voltage AC (Alternating energy) that we use in our homes. The conversion mechanism is called the H-Bridge. Each of the two legs of the H have a transistor switch at each end, By electronically timing and opening and closing of the switched the current can be made to flow one way and then the other producing an alternating current.



Mounting Hardware.
There are a number of methods to mount your solar array. The most common is a roof application using extruded aluminum rails mounted on waterproofed stand-offs attached to the structure. These stand-offs raise the mounting structure3-4 inches above the roof. The other methods of mounting are pole mounted, side pole mount, power tube for flat roof applications and ground mount. There are also tracker mounting systems that originate the panel array to the location of the sun.



Batteries.
Batteries are electrochemical cells enclosed within a single container and electrically interconnected in a series/parallel arrangement designed to provide a specific operating voltage and current level. Batteries for PV systems are commonly 6 to 12 volt and are used in 12-24 or 48 volt applications. A typical grid –tied system with battery back-up would provide for a 2-5 day storage period. A battery based system uses a special inverter that when grid power is available will take energy and when the grid fails instantly switches to battery power to power your home.



Wind Turbines.
The majority are horizontal upwind machines with two to three blades. The amount of power is determined by the size of the blades or rotor, behind the rotor is the alternator or generator. It converts the rotors rotation into electricity. Behind it is the body and the tail that is similar to a airplanes design to keep the turbine pointed in the direction of the wind. The turbine is supported by a tower attached to the ground.



Back Up Generators.
The generator can be used to provide the make up power to your battery system. The generators can make-up any energy shortfall by recharging the batteries periodically and will probably only need to run for a few hours a day.



System Monitoring.
It is important to know the state of your system. Specifically, you need to keep close watch on the SOC (state of charge) of your batteries. By not allowing your batteries to discharge below a certain point you can greatly improve their performance and extend their life. Monitoring the Voltage and Current readings in your system will tell you how full your batteries are and how fast they are charging or discharging. All this can be monitored with one or more meters.



Charge Controllers.
A charge controller is a component that controls the flow of current to and from the battery set-up to protect the batteries from overcharge and over discharge. This is essential for maintaining battery life and the maximum output. The charge controller will also monitor the system performance and provide protection to the system.