On the next Probably True Solar Stories, we revisit the story of how Winnie-the-Pooh went solar, but this time, with a certain Pooh character who wasn’t part of the public domain… until now.
True Solar Takeaways
- As Christopher Robin mentioned, you should always get at least three solar quotes before selecting a solar installer.
- The typical solar system consists of the solar panels, the inverter, and the racking.
- An inverter converts the solar panel's direct current (DC) electricity into the alternating current (AC) electricity that's used by home electronics and appliances.
- A microinverter is installed behind every panel.
- A string inverter is installed on a home's wall, but the "string" part refers to the inverter's copper wires that connect to the solar panels.
- Before installation, every solar system in the U.S. must be permitted--approved by building, fire, and other city and county departments. Their goal is to make sure the design is safe, so they can be picky. ... Sometimes, too picky.
- The utility also needs to inspect and approve the installation before it gets turned on.
- Solar can be stored in batteries. They're most often lithium-ion batteries today. In the past, they were lead acid.
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