Services
Customized Solar Solutions
Solar Panels
Solar Panels convert light from the sun by a process known as the photovoltaic effect where photons from the sun interact with semi-conductive material (silicon) in the cell of a solar module. The photons activate electrons from the silicon that free themselves and flow in a single direction based on the panel configuration creating an electrical current. The panel then sends this electric current to an inverter, that converts to current to usable energy that can be harnessed by the home.
Not all panels are made the same: Compare average panel vs. The Solar Exchange panel
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Panels on the roof versus on mount: Pros and Cons
Roof mount: conserves space, less expensive to install, easier to permit, etc.
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Calculate how many panels your home needs to cover your energy cost:
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Does the electric company provide service to your home?
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Are you interested in batteries to protect against power outages?
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Would you like roof or ground mounts?
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Is the area where you plan to install clear of trees and other obstructions?
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What is your average monthly energy use in kWh over a month, year?
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What is your address?
Inverters
Solar power does not come in a form that can be used by home appliances. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) power that needs to be converted or exchanged into power that can actually be used by the home in the form of alternating current (AC) power. Inverters are the equipment in a solar system that handles the conversion or exchange from DC to AC power ready to be used for the home.
There are three main types of inverters
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The Solar Exchange Tip
What to look for when shopping for an inverter that fits your needs?
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How is the warranty. 5 or 10 years or even 25 years. Make sure to know what is included in the warranty.
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Understand the operating temperature. The higher the operating temperature, the more efficient the inverter will operate.
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What is the efficiency? Peak efficiency will be how much it can output when running optimally. This is the best case scenario. Weighted efficiency accounts for DC input levels. Sunshine, temperature, and other environmental factors can vary efficiency.
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Shop Inverters CTA (show pictures of options)
Batteries
When you need extra peace of mind, store your solar energy for a rainy day. Solar batteries store excess electrical energy from that solar panels produce. This energy can be set aside for usage during periods of outages or after the sun goes down. Many solar companies do not have solar systems with batteries, so make sure to look for ones that do if you want a back-up.
When you need extra peace of mind, store your solar energy for a rainy day. Solar batteries store excess electrical energy from that solar panels produce. This energy can be set aside for usage during periods of outages or after the sun goes down. Many solar companies do not have solar systems with batteries, so make sure to look for ones that do if you want a back-up. Here are some important reasons to consider battery storage for your solar solution:
1. Batteries are great for preparing against power outages. Whether from a total blackout or a planned brown out, batteries can serve to fill in those service gaps.
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2. Batteries allow for homeowners to have more flexibility on time of use rate plans. Under the time of use plans, solar energy produced during the day is less valuable than the electricity consumed from the grid at higher peak usage like in the nighttime. Batteries can help defer those peak costs by providing energy collected during the off peak times.
Types of batteries.
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Types of batteries
At TSE, we only use Lithium-Ion batteries and have specialized installers to help you take advantage of this newer technology.
Installation
Solar installation typically entails:
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Location decision-what is the ideal location for exposure to the most sun? Typically direct south view is ideal to reduce shading as the sun moves from east to west. Need to decide whether the panel will be on the roof or on the ground and how far the distance is between the array and the house.
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Run the conduit. Connect the panels to the house. This can entail trenching or running pipes. There are typically standards for depth of the trench and permits and inspections may be required including identifying where gas lines may be.
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Build the platform. For the panels whether on the roof or on a ground mount, a foundation will be needed. Bolts and framing are needed for a roof installation. A foundation to support mounts are needed for a ground installation. Building codes and inspections will be likely.
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Mount the panels and install inverters and batteries.
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Wire the system and components. Connect the solar panels into strings or groups that attach to a conduit. If you are unfamiliar with electrical wiring standards leave the wiring to a professional.
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Ground the system, including the panels and mounting system. This is necessary to ensure electricity is shuttled away from people, the solar panel, and solar component to avoid accidental electrocution. A proper ground prevents accidental electrocution, fire from power surges, and damage to the entire system from power spikes.
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Form the circuit by connecting the electrical components.
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Test the system
At The Solar Exchange, we have our own professional installers to ensure that every project is built effectively and safely. Contact us to schedule an install today
Repairs
Solar panels can have a shelf life from x to x years. Common solar problems include:
1. Micro-cracks
2. Delamination that attracts moisture
3. Bad wiring that leads to loose connections, oxidation, and other electrical issues
4. Hot spots from panel overloading
5. Potential induced degradation (PID)
6. Drop in the systems performance
7. Dirtiness and lack of maintenance
The Solar Exchange provides regular maintenance for the first…years of your purchase for only…this provides peace of mind and ensures your new solar system operates at it’s best efficiency. Purchase the Solar Exchange maintenance gold plan.
Upgrades
If it is time to add to or renew an old solar system, make sure to work with a provider that can handle all aspects of optimizing your current system.
Common reasons
for upgrading:
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Older technology is no longer available
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Need more power production
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Need more efficiency and savings
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Repairing may not be sufficient
