What are the benefits of a solar energy system?

1. What are the benefits of a solar energy system?

Reduced fuel consumption will displace fossil fuels, lower energy bills and cushion against increasing energy prices. An optional backup power system can keep the lights on if the utility power fails. Adding a solar power system will also add value to your home.

2. What are the main components of a complete solar home system and what do they do?

• Photovoltaics (PV) modules convert solar energy directly into electricity through silicon cells. Building integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) offset roofing costs since BIPV will be the roof. Additionally, solar roofs last many times longer than traditional roofs due to the materials used.


• Utility Interactive Inverters send excess electricity generated from PV panels back into the utility grid and the electrical meter reverses. At night, the system will draw electricity from the utility grid. The inverter charges and conditions the electricity made by the solar panels, so it can be used safely by household appliances.


• Solar Thermal Collectors. This technology converts solar energy into heat energy through heat transfer technologies. Thermal collectors can be used to heat domestic hot water, space heating and swimming pools.


• Thermal Storage Subsystems. This technology stores the heat generated by the thermal collectors and transfers the heat to the customer's load.


• Optional Power Backup. Customers have the option of installing a battery based power backup system that would provide limited power if the power grid failed (for example during storm conditions or rotating blackouts).


• Passive Solar Design is a holistic architectural design strategy to use solar energy to heat houses in winter and to cool houses in summer. ARISE can assist customers with information on design practises and other building energy conservation techniques when we design solar homes or systems.