Customer Solutions: Module 2
Solar at Home
start
Summary
This Module is designed for everyone who has completed Module 1: Renewables 101. Here we will help you to quickly grasp the main components of a typical solar home installation, what they do, and how they work together. You can complete this module on any computer, tablet or phone. If you're using a phone or a tablet, make sure to have the screen in Landscape mode.
NEXT
Navigation
Before we go any further, here is a guide to getting around this Module. Please note: not all buttons will show on every screen.
NEXT
Proceed to next screen Check your answers Shows any parts of the screen that are interactive
top right top right
NEXT
Learning Objectives
By the end of this Module, you should be able to:
- Understand the core components of a home solar setup
- Recall the name of each component and other types or names it may have
- Explain what each component is for and what it does
NEXT
Module 1 Recap
We're almost ready to begin Module 2, but first let's see what you learned from Module 1.
Module 1 Recap
Click or Tap to drag the words into the correct place in this statement:
Module 1 Recap
One more question, then we'll begin Module 2.
The Home Solar Setup
What components go into a typical home solar installation? What do they do? Let's look at each one in detail.
NEXT
Image: Richard Newstead/Getty
Components
Photo voltaics
battery
inverter
Meter
Click or tap on each component name to find out more! Then click/tap below to test your knowledge:
Safety
Take Quiz
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
More commonly known as solar panels, they harness energy from the sun (photons) and convert it to DC (direct current) electricity. Hover or tap on each photo to learn more.
NEXT
Storage Batteries
Whilst not a feature of every home solar installation, batteries take excess DC electricity and store it for later use in the home when the solar panels are not producing electricity, like at night or under thick cloud.
They can make up a significant part of the overall setup cost, so should only be considered if the Customer's historical or planned usage makes it worthwhile.
Batteries are typically 10-15 kWh (kiloWatt hours), adequate for supplying most household demand for several hours in the event of a powercut.
NEXT
Inverter
An Inverter's primary function is to convert the DC (direct current) electricity into AC (alternating current), so it can be used to power electrical items in the home. Solar and Hybrid inverters can also manage the flow, directing it to the home, the battery, or elsewhere. There are 3 types of inverter:
Micro inverters are attached to each panel, rather than a large, single unit. They convert to AC instantly, so require additional components for energy management.
In addition to converting current, a Hybrid Inverter also regulates current and voltage coming from solar panels to prevent the battery being damaged by overcharging.
For installations without a storage battery, a solar inverter converts electricity from DC to AC, and - where permitted - direct surplus back out to the grid.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Micro Inverter
Solar Inverter
Hybrid Inverter
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Image: prostarsolar.net
NEXT
Meter
All homes and businesses have a meter to track usage. Mechanical meters (with rotating discs) aren't compatible with solar installations so they would be upgraded at the time if not already scheduled by the Customer's electricity supplier.
Smart meters track electricity from the grid to the house and anything exported out.
An energy monitor can be installed to provide real-time capture, flow and usage.
NEXT
Safety
Safety switches are non-negotiable in any grid-tied solar installation. They safeguard against damage to equipment - and more importantly - people.
NEXT
Congratulations on your progress so far! Let's dive straight into a quick quiz to see what you have learned!
Question 1
00:20
00:30
Question 2
Question 3
00:30
00:45
Question 4
Question 5
00:30
Electric Vehicle Charging
NEXT
Before we finish up, a quick note about Customers with EVs. As mentioned before, EVs typically have a battery capacity of 50 to 100 kWh, sometimes more. So a few things to consider:
- Use charging schedules built-in to the car or home EV charger, to only charge overnight, when the cost of electiricty from the grid may be cheaper if you have an EV-related tarriff.
- Ensure the Inverter can handle the demands of a Type 2 EV Charger (7.7kW / 32A). If so, program it to only direct power to the EV charger if the home needs are being fully met, and the storage battery is full. You may also need a dedicated circuit breaker for the EV charger.
- Don't charge the EV during peak-times, such as early morning or in the evening. That is when little to no solar is being generated, yet the time when house will be most reliant on energy, particularly what is stored in the battery.
Inverter Priorities:
#1: Home Needs Met
#4: Export to Grid
#2: Storage Battery Full
#3: EV Charging
Next Steps
Congratulations on completing Module 2!
Module 3 awaits, but in the meantime, click the signpost to head over to Lerna Beach to share your thoughts, take part in discussions, and try your hand at bonus challenges!
If you're finished here, you can close the browser window to head back to your Learner Dashboard
Solar at Home
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Transcript
Customer Solutions: Module 2
Solar at Home
start
Summary
This Module is designed for everyone who has completed Module 1: Renewables 101. Here we will help you to quickly grasp the main components of a typical solar home installation, what they do, and how they work together. You can complete this module on any computer, tablet or phone. If you're using a phone or a tablet, make sure to have the screen in Landscape mode.
NEXT
Navigation
Before we go any further, here is a guide to getting around this Module. Please note: not all buttons will show on every screen.
NEXT
Proceed to next screen Check your answers Shows any parts of the screen that are interactive
top right top right
NEXT
Learning Objectives
By the end of this Module, you should be able to:
NEXT
Module 1 Recap
We're almost ready to begin Module 2, but first let's see what you learned from Module 1.
Module 1 Recap
Click or Tap to drag the words into the correct place in this statement:
Module 1 Recap
One more question, then we'll begin Module 2.
The Home Solar Setup
What components go into a typical home solar installation? What do they do? Let's look at each one in detail.
NEXT
Image: Richard Newstead/Getty
Components
Photo voltaics
battery
inverter
Meter
Click or tap on each component name to find out more! Then click/tap below to test your knowledge:
Safety
Take Quiz
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
More commonly known as solar panels, they harness energy from the sun (photons) and convert it to DC (direct current) electricity. Hover or tap on each photo to learn more.
NEXT
Storage Batteries
Whilst not a feature of every home solar installation, batteries take excess DC electricity and store it for later use in the home when the solar panels are not producing electricity, like at night or under thick cloud.
They can make up a significant part of the overall setup cost, so should only be considered if the Customer's historical or planned usage makes it worthwhile.
Batteries are typically 10-15 kWh (kiloWatt hours), adequate for supplying most household demand for several hours in the event of a powercut.
NEXT
Inverter
An Inverter's primary function is to convert the DC (direct current) electricity into AC (alternating current), so it can be used to power electrical items in the home. Solar and Hybrid inverters can also manage the flow, directing it to the home, the battery, or elsewhere. There are 3 types of inverter:
Micro inverters are attached to each panel, rather than a large, single unit. They convert to AC instantly, so require additional components for energy management.
In addition to converting current, a Hybrid Inverter also regulates current and voltage coming from solar panels to prevent the battery being damaged by overcharging.
For installations without a storage battery, a solar inverter converts electricity from DC to AC, and - where permitted - direct surplus back out to the grid.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Micro Inverter
Solar Inverter
Hybrid Inverter
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Image: prostarsolar.net
NEXT
Meter
All homes and businesses have a meter to track usage. Mechanical meters (with rotating discs) aren't compatible with solar installations so they would be upgraded at the time if not already scheduled by the Customer's electricity supplier.
Smart meters track electricity from the grid to the house and anything exported out.
An energy monitor can be installed to provide real-time capture, flow and usage.
NEXT
Safety
Safety switches are non-negotiable in any grid-tied solar installation. They safeguard against damage to equipment - and more importantly - people.
NEXT
Congratulations on your progress so far! Let's dive straight into a quick quiz to see what you have learned!
Question 1
00:20
00:30
Question 2
Question 3
00:30
00:45
Question 4
Question 5
00:30
Electric Vehicle Charging
NEXT
Before we finish up, a quick note about Customers with EVs. As mentioned before, EVs typically have a battery capacity of 50 to 100 kWh, sometimes more. So a few things to consider:
Inverter Priorities:
#1: Home Needs Met
#4: Export to Grid
#2: Storage Battery Full
#3: EV Charging
Next Steps
Congratulations on completing Module 2!
Module 3 awaits, but in the meantime, click the signpost to head over to Lerna Beach to share your thoughts, take part in discussions, and try your hand at bonus challenges!
If you're finished here, you can close the browser window to head back to your Learner Dashboard