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1 Photovoltaic (PV) cells are the basic engine of a solar power system. PV cells convert the sun’s energy into electricity. A PV cell is most often made of a thin wafer of silicon modified with small amounts of other materials that give the silicon wafer special electrical properties. When sunlight hits a PV cell, it produces an electric current. PV cells are connected together in a solar module, which has a non-reflective glass front, a protective insulating back sheet, and an aluminum frame for strength and mounting. 2 Solar panels are groups of solar modules connected electrically to generate direct current electricity that is converted to alternating current (AC) at the desired voltage for end use. Panels are installed on rooftops or open areas, such as parking lots or fields that have full sun exposure. (Solar panels also collect solar energy on cloudy days.) A larger grouping of solar panels constitutes a “solar array.” Large non-residential solar facilities often contain multiple arrays, sometimes located on different buildings at a given site. 3 The combiner connects multiple individual solar panels together into a “string,” and multiple strings are connected into arrays that are connected to the power inverter. The combiner works in a solar electrical system much like a manifold does in a hydraulic system. 4 The inverter transforms direct current electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity – the form of electricity used by most standard lights, motors, computers and air conditioners. The inverter also provides safety functions such as automatic shutdown of the solar electric system in the event of a power failure. 5 The AC safety – or disconnect switch – is a manual switch that can be used to disconnect a building’s electrical system from the solar electricity system. 6 The entire system is linked to a Performance-Monitoring Reporting System (PMRS). The PMRS measures and monitors all electricity generated by the system, performs system diagnostics and sends alerts regarding system or equipment issues. The PMRS also tracks weather and generates reports that link weather conditions to kilowatt-hour output. How Rooftop Solar Installations Work Solar power systems include several components working together to convert the sun’s energy into electrical power that can be connected to a building’s standard electrical infrastructure and the utility grid. 1 2 4 6 5 3 Around the globe, business and industry are harnessing the power of the earth’s most abundant natural resource – sunlight – to provide energy-using solar power. One Globe Solar (OGS) systems and products offer high-quality, reliable power generation for commercial and industrial applications. The systems feature: • Solar modules that can be integrated to meet a wide range of power requirements • A complete solution for commercial-scale solar, from engineering design through installation and service • Power delivered for on-grid and off-grid consumption • Installations on a wide variety of roof types – including new construction or retrofit applications 877.41.GLOBE (45623) • www.oneglobesolar.com • P.O. Box 176 • Crystal Bay, NV 89402 ©2010 One Globe Solar, LLC Printed digitally on recycled paper.
