Design Your System

Since you now know the PV array size needed to power your energy demands, you can start designing your solar energy system. It is important to pick the right components that work well with other components, such as solar panels and inverters, or batteries and charge controllers – so your system runs at full capacity, and is designed to last for the long-term.

If you would like to pick your own components, check out our products and manufacturers. We can also design a system that suits your needs Contact us

Is Solar Right for You?

Determining Your System Type

Sizing Your System

Design Your System

There are some factors to keep in mind when picking certain products. We will highlight them below:

The majority of solar panels, and the ones we carry are split between two cell types: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. The difference is how the silicon is processed during manufacturing, and does have an impact on aesthetics, performance, life-span, and cost.

Monocrystalline cells as composed of a single crystal of silicon, a purity that can be identified by a dark, even color.


Monocrystalline solar panels usually carry higher efficiency ratings, and perform well in low-light environmental conditions. They are a good choice for installations looking for high yields with limited space. Since the output can be more affected by shading or soiling, microinverters can perform well when combined with these modules.

Advantages

Usually carry higher efficiency ratings

Performs well in low-light conditions

Aesthetically pleasing (for those wanting black modules on their roof)

Drawbacks

Often higher cost

Sensitive to soiling and shade

More silicon is wasted in the manufacturing process

Both Mono and Poly solar panels can deliver powerful energy results for your system. Generally, Monocrystalline is considered a more superior option overall. However, with modern manufacturing technology, both types of solar cells can perform exceptionally well.

Focusing on a tier 1 manufacturer and designing a system with a select module in mind that suits your need, environment, and system is the better choice when choosing a solar panel.

Most solar power systems utilize one of two different inverter technologies. Each having distinct advantages and drawbacks when combined with the solar panels and the system. String Inverters group modules into blocks where energy is pulled in as DC power then converted to AC power. Microinverters attach to a single, or pair of module(s) and convert energy per panel.

Each type of inverter has a potential function in a solar energy system. Depending on your application, system size and location – demands differ per installation. Generally, String and central inverters are utilized for larger projects (residential, commercial and utility), while microinverters are better suited for smaller residential applications.

Whether you are building a roof-top or ground mount system, you need to pick a racking and mounting solution that will be quality built, durable, code-compliant and the best option for your job. There are a number of quality racking solutions, and some work for certain applications better than others.

Unirac, SnapNRack, DPW Solar and IronRidge – provide excellent all-in-one solutions for both roof and ground mount systems (Residential, Commercial and Utility Scale operations compatible).

Array Technologies and Zomeworks – Excellent options for solar tracking systems (Ground mount that optimize solar yields)

We also provide a series of mounting manufacturers that are recommended for certain installations, such as S-5! Mounting and Quick Mount PV. These manufacturers are excellent tier 1 brands that are quality and code-compliant.

See all of our products and manufacturers.

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