Solar systems integration involves developing technologies and tools that allow solar energy onto the electricity grid, while maintaining grid reliability, security, and efficiency.
Solar systems integration involves developing technologies and tools that allow solar energy onto the electricity grid, while maintaining grid reliability, security, and efficiency. For most of the past 100 years, electrical grids involved large-scale, centralized energy generation located far from consumers.
By 2030, as much as 80% of electricity could flow through power electronic devices. One type of power electronic device that is particularly important for solar energy integration is the inverter. Inverters convert DC electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to AC electricity, which the electrical grid uses.
How does solar work?
The amount of sunlight that strikes the earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.
Like other solar panels, roof-integrated panels use a photovoltaic (PV) system to convert light into electricity. This free energy lowers electricity costs by reducing reliance on the National Grid. Unlike energy produced by fossil fuels, solar power is eco-friendly and emits no greenhouse gases.
This is why they're known as on-roof panels. Integrated solar panels – or in-roof panels – are fixed into the roof itself. This is done by: Removing a section of roof slates or tiles to expose the underlying batten-and-felt structure. Attaching plastic trays to this structure and fitting a waterproof membrane.
Inverters convert DC electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to AC electricity, which the electrical grid uses. Since solar energy can only be generated when the sun is shining, the ability to store solar energy for later use is important: It helps to keep the balance between electricity generation and demand.