About PV: A Simplified Photovoltaic System
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| The above schematic diagram shows the main components in
a typical grid-tied photovoltaic system. Sunlight strikes the photovoltaic
array, generating a DC voltage. An inverter converts this to standard
household AC voltage. This voltage is fed into the building's circuit panel
through a PV energy meter, which records the total energy produced by
the PV array. Power from the inverter feeds household loads. If there is a
surplus of PV power, the extra is fed to the utility and runs the utility
meter backwards! If the PV array produces less power than is needed for the
loads, then some of the needed power is drawn from the utility. |
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How the various subsystems relate to a
building
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PV panels mounted on a composition shingle roof
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Electrical subsystem including disconnects and inverters
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