You’re curious about renewable energy, and you’ve heard of solar panels - but you’re not sure what a solar array is. Well, a solar array is a collection of solar panels wired together into a circuit to capture sunlight and produce electricity.

Solar arrays combined with one or more solar inverters (and, optionally, a battery) become a fully functional solar power system. A solar array that can power an average household would require between 13 and 21 solar panels. Solar arrays generate DC power; it must first be converted into AC power using solar inverters before it can be used in your home. As part of the solar power system, a solar array generates electricity that can power a house or be exported to the grid.

Solar array + balance of system components (including solar inverter) = Complete solar power system. A complete solar panel installation costs between N18million and N20million before incentives; of that, the solar array accounts for N6million - N7million. Going solar can result in substantial savings, but we recommend you check if the math works out for you before taking the plunge.

Solar arrays can be installed anywhere with good access to sunlight. The most common location for a solar array installation is atop the roof of a house. It should ideally be on a south-facing section of the rooftop. Another option is to install a solar array on ground mounts. This option is commonly used by solar farms or in more rural locations, where land is generally cheaper.Solar arrays can be mounted on structures other than roofs.

Solar canopies are one such option, as are solar pergolas, patios, and gazebos. Solar arrays can also be installed atop vehicles. Solar energy has long been a popular option for RVs, while boats are starting to incorporate solar arrays, too.

Furthermore, solar arrays, paired with energy storage systems such as solar batteries, have long been used in off-grid settings such as hunting cabins.There are more niche locations for solar arrays, such as those integrated into buildings.

Solar array can be used for energy production for 25 years (their warranted life) or longer. Energy production occurs without the use of moving parts, fuel, or any other kind of intervention from the owners. Below is a brief description of how a solar array can provide power for a home solar energy system:
Energy creation: Sunlight hits the solar cells in the array, activating them and generating Direct Current (DC) electricity.
Energy conversion: The DC power then travels to an inverter, where it is converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity usable by the home.
Energy consumption: The 120/240 volt AC power supply is then either used on-site (i.e. by the home) or exported to the grid, from which it can be distributed to others who need power.

There are three different types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. While each solar panel type has its own benefits and drawbacks, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the most popular solar panel type used for home solar installations is monocrystalline. It is extremely rare to get a solar panel quote for a solar system that uses something other than monocrystalline solar panels.

Let’s assume you want a solar array big enough to wipe out your electricity bill. In that case, you may want a solar array that can produce 1,000 kWh of electricity a month, which is sufficient to cover the energy usage of an average home.

Building a solar array capable of 1,000 kWh per month would need between 13 and 21 solar panels (assuming the use of 400-watt solar panels), and require 277-450 square feet of total roof space. Speaking of square feet, the size of your home in square feet has only a little to do with how many solar panels you'll need.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:
The term ‘solar array size’ describes a solar panel system’s capacity to produce electricity. A solar array 300 watts in size, for instance, can produce 300 watts of electricity, while a solar system 6 kW in size can generate 6,000 watts (under standard test conditions).

In hybrid solar systems, rooftop solar panels are connected to both a solar battery and the electric grid. The solar electricity generated by your panels that your home does not use is stored in the battery instead of being sent to the grid, which reduces your reliance on the utility while also providing backup power when needed. Battery storage is still expensive but you may be able to reduce costs by using state incentives.

Off-grid solar system Off-grid solar systems are not connected to the grid at all, so all of your energy needs must be met by the sun. There is no utility to fall back on. The solar installation needs to power your home not only during the day, but after dark as well, so many solar panels and a large battery system are required. These systems are often expensive and don’t make sense for homes that have access to the grid.