Photovoltaics (or PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy. (William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)

Installing solar panels may change the way you feel about your energy bill. Homeowners who decide to take the plunge and invest in solar paneling actually look forward to their energy bill; feeling euphoric when their electric costs decrease to less than $50.00 a month.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts the sun’s energy into electrical energy. It’s renewable and a nonpolluting source of energy.

There are two types of PV systems: grid-tied systems (which use the power company’s grid to store electrical energy and is most common) and stand-alone systems (which require batteries to store electrical energy—used in cabins and remote applications— and they’re more complicated and expensive).

Grid-tied System Components

Solar PV panels convert the sun’s energy to direct-current (DC) electrical energy that is made from semiconductors. The photovoltaic effect was discovered by Edmund Becquerel in 1839 but was popularized by the work from NASA.

Three basic types of PVs are: single-crystal (highest output but most expensive), polycrystalline (most common), and thin film. The higher the sun’s intensity, the higher the output power of the panels. Panels are connected in series and/or parallel to give the desired system voltage and power.

If you are interested in using solar panels, the first thing to assess is whether a site has adequate sunlight for a solar PV system. A solar pathfinder is used to determine the year-round shading of a particular site. The area of available space will determine the maximum size of the system.

Twelve months of electrical bills are analyzed to determine electrical needs of a site. Focus on Energy [team of energy experts based in Wisconsin] will provide a 50 percent grant for the cost of the site assessment.

The site assessment phase may point out recommendations to reduce electrical needs, such as replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, installing high-efficiency appliances, better insulation, or resetting the thermostat. Reducing the energy consumption could mean a smaller PV system would be required.

System Selection

Next, you will have to determine the size of the PV system.  Factors that will be assessed are: available space for the panels on the roof, the budget, the amount of available sunlight for the area, and the amount of electricity to be produced.

Once the solar PV size is determined, the solar panels and inverters are selected by the solar installer. There are different ways the solar panels can be installed, but it depends on roof type and condition. The solar installer might recommend rack-mounted panels, pole-mounted panels, ballasted mounts, etc.—depending on the situation.

Incentives

Once a system has been selected, the solar installer will apply for incentives. Focus on Energy covers 30 percent of the total cost of the project. The federal incentive is $2,000. Overall incentives will be about 40 percent of the total cost of the system. The grant application process usually takes about 30 days.

Building  

A city permit must be obtained before work can begin. Solar PV systems may require different trades: solar technology, electrical, and roofing. The solar installer will submit a plan, electrical schematics, and component specifications to the city for the proposed system, and pull a permit. Once permits are issued, the actual installation can take place.

Commissioning

The system going live is called commissioning. The solar installer, a master electrician, We Energies [electric service company], and a city inspector will go over the system to ensure every component is installed appropriately before connecting the system to the grid.

A bidirectional utility meter may be installed if there is not one already onsite. Some installations may require a second utility meter.

Once the system is installed, it is time to sit back and actually wait for your energy bill to arrive. The current payback of a typical solar PV grid-tied system is around 7 to 12 years.

Swee Sim owns Future Green and Eco-Friendly stores that promote fair trade merchandise. Please visit www.futuregreen.net for more information on solar paneling.