Solar Power Tulsa is here to help individuals realize their solar power dreams. We offer solar power packages designed for homeowners with the DIY spirit. After exploring some of our introductory articles you are probably asking what comes in a basic solar power package. Obviously solar panels are included and there must be someway to put the panels on your roof, garage, or a freestanding structure on your property. Here we break down all of the components we include in our packages and what each specific piece does.
[This guide does not cover Off-Grid Solar Power Packages]
Solar Panels
Our systems are made up of 250W solar panels in different quantities. Our 1kW system has 4 solar panels that produce 1000W of solar power at peak power (2kW has 8 panels and 3kW has 12 panels). This means on a bright sunny day at noon each panel should produce 250W a piece. 250W is enough to power a large flat screen TV or 40 or so LED light bulbs for one hour at full sunlight. Each panel connects to the next one using a positive to negative snap plug-connector.
Mount(s)
Mounts are the next important piece in a solar power package. If you want to put your solar power package on top of your roof you will need some way to mount the panels permanently. The mounts contain 7 different components and nuts and bolts. These components bolt together and each serve a very specific purpose. These components include:
PV Quickmount: The PV Quickmount is designed for installation on a composition shingle roof. It includes flashing and a standoff to attach the base of the solar mount to the composition shingle roof.
L-Foot: The L-foot is the heel of the mounting system. It attaches to the PV Quickmount and is necessary to attach the solar mount rail to the roof.
Rails: It is extremely rare to see a solar power installation that does not include a rail system. The rails provide a track to lay each solar panel next to one another in a landscape position.
Mid-Clamp & End-Clamp: The Mid-Clamp is the piece that goes in between two panels and attaches them to the rails. The End-Clamp attaches the solar panel array to the end of the rail.
Ground Lug: A ground lug is required at the end of each rail to connect a grounding wire to the mount. The grounding wire protects the solar panel system against lightning strikes and electrical arcs.
Micro-Inverter
Micro-Inverters convert the DC electricity each panel produces to AC 240V electrical power. There is a Micro-Inverter attached to a rail behind each panel that facilitates the solar panels connection to your building’s electrical breaker box.
Trunk Cable
The trunk cable uses a proprietary plug to connect each Micro-Inverter in parallel. This adds the power of each panel together and sends the entire solar power package’s power to your building’s electrical breaker box.
Disconnect Switch
The disconnect switch is required for electrical safety during installation, maintenance, and power outages. The disconnect switch is required by your electrical company to disconnect the solar power package from the electrical grid and your building. It must be located on the outside of your building and its location must be provided to you electric power company. The disconnect receives the trunk cable and then makes the connection to your electrical breaker box.
These components make up the very basics of any solar power package installation. Solarpowertulsa.com plans on releasing a more detailed tutorial explaining how to install a solar power package on your building.
