Solar Electric Systems

Solar Electric System Components
A solar electric power system includes:

	An array of solar panels
	An inverter
	Switches and wiring

Systems range from 100 square feet of panels to several hundred square feet of panels.

Generating Solar Power
A solar power system with 125 square feet of panels (about the smallest practical size) generates approximately 1800 kWh of electricity per year. This estimate assumes the best generating conditions. At 9 cents per kWh, that equals about $162 worth of power per year.

Maximum generation occurs during summer months. The system produces about 200 kWh or about $18 worth of power per month.

Electric generation is proportional to area. A system with twice the area would generate twice as much energy.

Electricity produced by the system flows into the house. The amount of electricity generated depends on the size of the system and how sunny it is.

The portion of the roof where the solar panels are to be mounted should face south or west and be unshaded throughout the year.