Solar-Kits

Solar-Kits

are pre-packaged, ready to assemble solar systems for domestic or commercial use.

Typical Solar-Kits will include a set of PV modules and necessary support and attachment accessories, a solar inverter (OFF GRID or GRID TIED), optional storage batteries and warranty.

Not sure if you should invest? Here is some more information to help get you started.

Solar-Kits and (PV) Photo Voltaic Technology

Single PV cells (also known as "solar cells") are connected electrically to form PV modules, which are the building blocks of PV systems and therefore key components of Solar-Kits.

Because individual solar cells or PV Cells supply only small amounts of power, Solar Cells may ganged together to form PV modules. A module is the smallest PV unit able to generate substantial amounts of power.

Modules are manufactured to produce a variety of specific power output levels from as little as from a few Watts to as much as 100 Watts of DC current. Finally, the modules are assembled into PV arrays and are ready to be used.

Let’s talk about the two main types of PV cells available for Solar-Kits that we need to be aware of and they are crystalline Silicon and Thin Film.


PTC Ratings
As you shop for Solar-Kits ( modules and inverter), look for performance standards quoted with the "PV USA Test Conditions" rating expressed as the PTC rating.

The PTC rating is regarded as a more realistic of performance in its regard to electrical production expressed in Watts per square meter.

Here is PTC standard…
1,000 watts per square meter solar irradiance, 1.5 Air Mass, and 20 degrees Celsius ambient temperature at 10 meters above ground level and wind speed of 1 meter per second.

PTC is a better standard than factory conditions because silicon solar cells average about 20 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature ( due to solar heating ) in actual operation, cell voltage drops as temperature increases.

A module's power output in real life conditions is lower than the power measured at the factory where cell temperature is maintained at a controlled 77 degrees F. (25 C).

ON THE GRID
On the grid means that you will remain connected to the local power utility and thus semi-dependant on them for electricity.

This is the ultimate backup system using one system to backup the other. Solar backed up by the utility or vice versa.

You may view being on the grid in more than one way. You may choose to stay on the grid in order to reduce your initial investment costs.

Maybe you are considering a phase-one half-and-half followed by a phase-two, full solar solution.

You may also turn your investment into profit by selling your power back to the utility itself.

OFF THE GRID
Electrical independence is yours in this scenario.

BATTERIES
ON GRID?, OFF GRID?, full solar or partial solar? Seriously consider including storage batteries in your Solar-Kit plans. Your system continues to generate power whether use it or not, whether you are home or not.

Remember though that they are or can be costly and can be dangerous if not maintained.

Whatever you choose to do, look for incentive plans in your area. Making the transition to solar might cost less than you think.

Now you need to know how much power you consume.




See section How Many Kilowatts?