Components in a Photovoltaic Solar System

Self-consumption photovoltaic installations have multiple components that allow them to function properly, such as solar panels, photovoltaic cells or power inverters. We briefly explain the importance of each of them below.

Elements of a solar panel installation

Main components

Solar panels

Solar panels, also called photovoltaic modules, are components made up of a set of solar cells that allow them to convert solar radiation into electricity. Three types of solar panels are defined by the manufacture of the cells that compose them and are: crystalline silicon (monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon) and amorphous silicon.

Solar inverter

The solar inverter is responsible for converting direct current (energy generated by photovoltaic modules) into alternating current. Whether connected to the grid or isolated equipment, it is an essential element in any photovoltaic equipment. There are several types of inverters, depending on whether your installation is connected to the grid or isolated.

Solar batteries

Solar batteries are devices that allow us to store the energy generated by solar panels so that we can use them when we do not use solar panels on rainy or cloudy days. If you consume a lot of energy at night, the installation of the battery will be essential in installations that are not connected to the network and are not connected to the network.

Secondary components

Bidirectional electricity meter

A bidirectional electricity meter is a device that counts the energy that flows from the network to the user (like any other electricity meter), and can also count the energy injected into the network by the user. This element is essential for any surplus of self-consumption equipment, since the marketer will compensate you for the excess energy, which is the energy generated and not consumed after you inject it into the network.

Charge regulator

The charge regulator is a very important element because it is responsible for installing the battery for normal operation. This component has the function of preventing the battery from being overcharged and discharged, prolonging its useful life and ensuring a sufficient power supply in the battery to prevent it from discharging. There are two types of regulators: MPPT and PWM, the choice of one or the other depends on the installation method and the purpose of your solar installation.

Monitoring system

The monitoring system is an application that allows users to remotely verify the normal operation of their photovoltaic equipment in real time and optimize our consumable equipment. The purpose of this system is that if the user detects a failure and / or malfunction in the system, the user must act quickly, so that the repairs are minor and no major breakdowns occur.

This type of system can be controlled from a device that has an Internet connection, such as a smartphone or tablet with a data rate.

Structures and supports

These structures and brackets are to allow you to place solar panels on the roof and make the most of the installed equipment. They are usually divided into two types, fixed and mobile, and are usually made of very resistant materials that can withstand the abrasion of adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, heavy snow, strong wind, etc.).