How Solar Works
Solar electric systems are beautifully simple in operation. They are noiseless, have no moving parts, and require no maintenance. You will enjoy solar electricity without changes to your home or your lifestyle.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. They are made of semi-conducting materials including silicon, which is the second most abundant element on the planet. Solar PV technology has been commercially used since the 1950s in applications ranging from calculators to satellites. Now you can harness the power of the sun for your own home.
Namasté Solar uses solar PV components from the highest quality manufacturers -- proven companies that we trust to honor their warranties. We will work with you to choose the components that meet your needs at the best value possible.
Namasté Solar uses solar PV components from the highest quality manufacturers in the business. We will work with you to choose the components that meet your needs at the best value possible.
MODULES
SunPower Corporation, based in San Jose, California, manufactures the highest efficiency modules available. SunPower modules also have a sleek, all-black appearance for superior aesthetics. If you are trying to maximize the solar production on your roof, SunPower is the best choice. SunPower systems have been installed by companies such as FedEx, Johnson & Johnson, and Target.
Kyocera, based in Kyoto, Japan, manufactures high quality polycrystalline modules that provide a balance of efficiency and value. If you have somewhat more roof space to work with or are primarily concerned with the cost per watt of your system, Kyocera may be the best choice for you. Kyocera systems have been installed by companies such as Gatorade and Qualcomm and are used in the solar roof of the Toyota Prius.
Sharp modules provide excellent value and come in a variety of aesthetic options. They also have the option of a low-profile Sharp OnEnergy System that integrates seamlessly with the modules and your roof. Sharp systems have been installed by Google, the San Francisco Giants, and Denver International Airport.
MOUNTING
In addition to the OnEnergy system used with Sharp modules, we use the most well known name in the business for mounting components: Unirac. Unirac manufactures a complete line of mounting components for roof and ground-mounted solar PV systems.
INVERTERS
In addition to your solar PV modules, we will install an inverter which converts the direct current (DC) electricity created by your modules to the alternating current (AC) electricity usable by your home. The type of inverter that will work best for your system is typically determined by the type of modules and the size of your system. Namasté Solar installs inverters from the most reliable and respected manufacturers in the world: SunPower, Fronius, and SMA. All three of these inverter options carry industry-leading, 10-year warranties and will ensure that your system communicates seamlessly with the utility grid and your home.
NET-METERING
Finally, we will connect the system to your existing electrical service. Your utility will then exchange your current electricity meter with a new net meter. Utilities offer a process called “net metering,” which allows the electric meter to move forward when electricity flows from the grid into the home and backward when power flows from the solar system back into the utility grid. Grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems interface seamlessly with the utility grid, powering your home from the sun during the day and from the utility at night.
MONITORING
We also install internet based monitoring so you can track your solar production from anywhere in the world. Our monitoring systems display your solar production and home consumption simultaneously, helping you to reduce your carbon footprint even further.
Chances are, your home is a great fit for solar.
Your solar electric system can be installed flush to the south, east or west-facing plane of your sloped roof or tilted to the south on your flat roof. Often it is possible to design around shading caused by chimneys, dormers, or trees.
Flush Mount System Awning Mount System Tilt Mount System Ground Mount System
Perhaps you have a south-facing patio or windows that could also benefit from shade. If so, an awning system can be an excellent choice to provide the dual benefit of passive shading and active electricity generation.
If not enough sunny roof or awning space is available but land is more abundant, a ground mount solar electric system might be the best choice. A Namasté Solar consultant will provide you with an honest and thorough assessment of the viability of your site and will design your solar electric system to meet your priorities.
Most solar PV systems installed today are grid-tied, meaning the utility grid serves as the back-up power for the home. Rather than storing any excess solar electricity in batteries, your solar electric system will first feed any loads that are in use in your home, and then send the excess electricity out to the utility grid to be used by your neighbors. A mechanism called “net metering” keeps track of how much electricity has been sent to the grid and creates a credit on your account called your “solar bank.”
Any time your home needs more electricity than your solar electric system is producing, you will draw some or all of your electricity from the grid and spend some of the excess you have built up in your “solar bank.” A grid-tied system can also be installed with battery back-up. In the event of a utility grid outage, the system will provide continuous power for your home’s most important appliances. For stand-alone or “off-grid” homes, batteries are charged by the solar panels during the day and then provide power overnight. Battery-based systems require careful design consideration to ensure there is enough battery storage to meet the needs of the home.
Design Considerations of a Solar Home
