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Solar Electricity Solar electric modules, also called photo voltaic modules, converts the sun light into direct current voltage. This electric energy can be stored in batteries or converted into alternating current and sent directly into the electric power grid. Sun light exposure for reasonable solar gain must be clear of any shadows (including tree limbs without leaves) from 9 am. To 3 pm. all year round. Even partial shading of an array can effect out put and will shorten the lifespan of the modules. The modules can be arranged in combinations to match the systems battery voltage or inverter for grid tied connections. The mounting of the arrays are governed by the solar window that is available for the project. Often they are roof mounted facing south +/- 15 Deg. at an 45 deg. angle ( for the latitude of Western North Carolina ) , but can also be mounted on top of a pole to provide seasonal change of angle , easier access and even tracking ( with early and late direct sunlight tracking can be worth the extra cost ) . The solar arrays also work great for deep well water pumping where the well is far from grid power supply. The battery-storage solutions is primarily for standby back-up, remote homes , cabins or other applications where the electric power grid is not near by or feasible to install . The advantage to the battery-storage is the option to always having electric energy available and be your own power producer. Being on your own also requires more interaction with the system and it becomes important to be able to oversee the different aspects of maintenance and monitoring. Grid tied systems can be with or without a storage battery and the grid either becomes a receiver of all the power that you produce and / or a back up for the battery system. Direct grid tie systems require a net metering agreement with the utility company that normally would provide the electricity to your home. (Contact your local provider for updated information on net metering with them or visit NC State University Solar Center for more information about net metering and Green Power).
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Links General Info NC State University Solar Center National Renewable Energy Laboratory Batteries Inverters PV modules |