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| Photovoltaic System Components |
Before the power from the solar array reaches your home, it passes through the
components shown above. The power from the solar panels arrives via the cable
connected to component #1.
1. DC Disconnect: The switch to disconnect the solar array from the inverter.
2. Inverter: The inverter converts DC power from the solar array to AC power
compatible with utility power for standard home appliances. The unit shown is a Xantrex
inverter that is about 96% efficient.
Some newer model inverters have an integrated DC/AC disconnect which eliminates the
need for external DC (PV) disconnects, and in some jurisdictions, AC disconnects.
3. AC Disconnect: A switch to disconnect the AC power from the rest of the house.
4. Solar PV Meter: This meter measures only the energy produced by the solar panels
(after the inverter), and gives you a read on the overall efficiency of your PV system. A
solar PV meter is usually an extra cost option - but a must have, all the same.
5. House Meter: Since most solar PV systems do not produce enough power to meet all
of a home's energy needs, you will still have to purchase power from the grid. This meter
measures total energy usage and how much of the total was purchased from the utility.
6. Main Service Panel: Also known as the breaker box, distributes power from either
the PV array, or the grid, to individual circuits within the house.
components shown above. The power from the solar panels arrives via the cable
connected to component #1.
1. DC Disconnect: The switch to disconnect the solar array from the inverter.
2. Inverter: The inverter converts DC power from the solar array to AC power
compatible with utility power for standard home appliances. The unit shown is a Xantrex
inverter that is about 96% efficient.
Some newer model inverters have an integrated DC/AC disconnect which eliminates the
need for external DC (PV) disconnects, and in some jurisdictions, AC disconnects.
3. AC Disconnect: A switch to disconnect the AC power from the rest of the house.
4. Solar PV Meter: This meter measures only the energy produced by the solar panels
(after the inverter), and gives you a read on the overall efficiency of your PV system. A
solar PV meter is usually an extra cost option - but a must have, all the same.
5. House Meter: Since most solar PV systems do not produce enough power to meet all
of a home's energy needs, you will still have to purchase power from the grid. This meter
measures total energy usage and how much of the total was purchased from the utility.
6. Main Service Panel: Also known as the breaker box, distributes power from either
the PV array, or the grid, to individual circuits within the house.
The photo below shows the electrical components for a typical residential photovoltaic
(PV) system.
(PV) system.
