Below is a brief overview
of solar electric components
 Solar Cells
Solar cells capture the sun's energy and change it to electricity.
Inside a solar panel, each cell contains silicon, an element
found in sand that absorbs sunlight. The energy in this absorbed
light produces a small electrical current. Metal grids around
the solar cells direct the currents into wires that lead to the
power controls.
Solar Array
The solar array is comprised of one or more solar PV modules
(solar panels) which convert sunlight into clean solar electricity.
PV is short for Photovoltaics, which means electricity from light.
The solar modules need to be mounted facing the sun and avoiding
shade for best results. Solar panels generate DC power.
Inverter
The Inverter changes the DC solar power into usable 120 Volt
AC electricity which is the most common type used by most household
appliances and lighting.
Charge Controller
The main function of a charge controller is to prevent over
charging which results in out-gassing of the batteries, as well
as keeping electrical storage in the batteries from discharging
to the solar modules at night.
Batteries
The batteries store the solar power generated and discharge
the power as needed. The battery bank consists of one or more
solar deep-cycle type batteries. Depending on the current and
voltages for certain applications the batteries are wired in
series and/or parallel.
Wiring
Selecting the correct size and type of wire will enhance the
performance and reliability of your PV system. The size of the
wire must be large enough to carry the maximum current expected
without undue voltage losses.
Loads
The appliances and devices (such as TV's, computers, lights,
water pumps etc.) that consume electrical power are called loads.
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