How does a solar energy system work?

Let's start at the beginning. During our consultations and audits, our advisors have noticed that there are still many people who don't know how a solar energy system actually works. Understanding, at least the basics, how a solar energy system works is essential to knowing if what they're offering is what you need. So, let's get to it.

Without going into technical details (this blog is not for professional photovoltaic technicians), a solar energy system has a certain number of solar panels that capture the sun's energy (irradiance). This energy is sent to an inverter, which converts this energy from direct current to alternating current for your home or business. This inverter must be connected via solar wiring to the solar panels and then via wiring to the main switchboard of your home or business so that this current can be used. Now, you might be wondering, "Well, what if I don't use (all) the energy being produced?" Well, in this case, the excess energy would be sent back to the grid through a device in the inverter (a bidirectional meter). Your electric company can compensate you financially, but this is a separate topic we'll discuss later. A very interesting alternative in this case is the use of batteries to store the "excess" energy so that you can use it when there is no solar production, for example at night or on very cloudy days.

You're probably already seeing that correctly calculating your needs is essential to ensure your investment is the right one and your return on investment is as short as possible, with a solar installation tailored to your needs. If you install fewer solar panels than you need, you won't be able to cover your entire consumption, and if you install more than you need, you'll be returning unused energy to the grid.

Say yes to green energy, but wisely!