Solar power systems include several key components: 1. Solar panels that convert sunlight into direct current electricity through photovoltaic cells. 2. An inverter that converts the direct current into alternating current that can power buildings. 3. A performance monitoring system that tracks the electricity generated and alerts of any issues.

1. How Rooftop Solar Installations Work
Solar power systems include several components working together to convert the sun’s energy
into electrical power that can be connected to a building’s standard electrical infrastructure and
the utility grid.
Around the globe, business and industry are harnessing the power of the earth’s most abundant natural resource – sunlight – to provide
energy-using solar power. One Globe Solar (OGS) systems and products offer high-quality, reliable power generation for commercial
and industrial applications. The systems feature:
• Solar modules that can be integrated to meet a wide range of power requirements • A complete solution for commercial-scale solar,
from engineering design through installation and service • Power delivered for on-grid and off-grid consumption • Installations on
a wide variety of roof types – including new construction or retrofit applications
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1 Photovoltaic (PV) cells are the basic engine of a solar power
system. PV cells convert the sun’s energy into electricity. A PV cell
is most often made of a thin wafer of silicon modified with small
amounts of other materials that give the silicon wafer special
electrical properties. When sunlight hits a PV cell, it produces an
electric current. PV cells are connected together in a solar module,
which has a non-reflective glass front, a protective insulating back
sheet, and an aluminum frame for strength and mounting.
are connected to the power inverter. The combiner works in a solar
electrical system much like a manifold does in a hydraulic system.
2 Solar panels are groups of solar modules connected electrically
to generate direct current electricity that is converted to alternating
current (AC) at the desired voltage for end use. Panels are installed
on rooftops or open areas, such as parking lots or fields that have
full sun exposure. (Solar panels also collect solar energy on cloudy
days.) A larger grouping of solar panels constitutes a “solar array.”
Large non-residential solar facilities often contain multiple arrays,
sometimes located on different buildings at a given site.
5 The AC safety – or disconnect switch – is a manual switch that
can be used to disconnect a building’s electrical system from the
solar electricity system.
3 The combiner connects multiple individual solar panels together
into a “string,” and multiple strings are connected into arrays that
4 The inverter transforms direct current electricity produced by
the solar panels into AC electricity – the form of electricity used by
most standard lights, motors, computers and air conditioners. The
inverter also provides safety functions such as automatic shutdown
of the solar electric system in the event of a power failure.
6 The entire system is linked to a Performance-Monitoring Reporting
System (PMRS). The PMRS measures and monitors all electricity
generated by the system, performs system diagnostics and sends
alerts regarding system or equipment issues. The PMRS also tracks
weather and generates reports that link weather conditions to
kilowatt-hour output.
877.41.GLOBE (45623) • www.oneglobesolar.com • P.O. Box 176 • Crystal Bay, NV 89402
©2010 One Globe Solar, LLC
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