Solar electric panels are the basic unit needed to power the solar energy generation system. Connected to a solar generator, these panels collect the sunlight that will be converted into electrical current that will be used to provide power to the household. These residential solar panels are built into small arrays that are either placed on the roof of the structure, or somewhere nearby that will receive maximum sun exposure. Unlike larger commercial arrangements, these panel arrays are fixed and cannot swivel to track the movement of the sun in the sky.

Solar electric panels collect the sunlight that is considered to be DC current and through the solar generator, transforms it into the AC that runs household systems and appliances. AC current is also what electrical devices need to run in North America, so any device needing power to run or recharge may make use of this solar power electricity. Through the use of the net metering system, a special meter is integrated into the system that can accurately measure the amount of wattage the consumer needs to buy off the utility grid during times the solar generation system cannot function (like at night or times when the sky is too overcast to provide sunlight). At other times when the generator produces more than is needed by the home, this overage can be sold back to the utility for the use of other power consumers.

Boots on the Roof, a leading Renewable energy training institute, is enrolling students into its Solar PV Training classes. For more information on qualifications, Training Dates and Locations, click here.