| 16525 W. 159th Street, Suite 164, Lockport, Illinois 60441 SBA 8(a) & SDB Certified |
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Smart Quest Inc. designs and supplies solar and wind electric systems for homes and businesses throughout US. We
have expertise in both grid-tie and stand-alone systems.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV):
Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight (photons) into electricity (voltage) via the “photovoltaic effect.” They are
made of semi-conducting materials, the most common being silicon, which is the second most abundant element on the
planet, exceeded only by oxygen. Solar PV technology has been commercially used since the 1950s and has long been
used to power calculators, satellites, road signs, phone call boxes, remote industrial applications, remote homes &
cabins, etc. Due to decreasing prices via economies of scale and increasing government support, solar PV is now more
cost-effective than ever for residential and commercial applications in urban areas.
HOW IT WORKS:
" Grid-Tie" Solar Electric Systems:
Grid-tie solar electric systems are installed on homes and businesses where the electricity grid is available. They interface
seamlessly with the electricity grid, allowing excess power that is produced from the sun during the day to be sold back
to the utility company. When this happens, your electric meter spins backwards to give you retail credit for the electricity
you produced. At night or during cloudy weather, your home or business takes power from the grid as normal, thereby
spinning your meter forwards again. Each day your electric meter will spin backwards and forwards as part of “net-
metering,” which allows you to reduce your electric bill to a “net-zero” on a monthly or annual basis. Going solar is a
quick and easy process, requiring no changes to your lifestyle or to the internal wiring of your home or business. Each
month, you’ll feel good about your lower electric bill and the positive difference you’re making for our environment.
Solar Electric System with Battery Back-up:
(for black-out protection or remote power needs)
By integrating batteries into your solar system, you gain the additional advantage of storing electricity for later use. In the
event of a black-out, 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.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
Solar PV Modules come in a variety of sizes and appearances, although the most common sizes produce up to 130-
230 watts and are about 2.5 ft x 5 ft. Solar PV modules produce electricity when bathed in sunlight; they have no
moving parts and make no noise. Solar modules are laminated and protected by tempered glass that is tested to
withstand 3/4"-diameter hail.
Worldwide demand for solar modules has increased dramatically in recent years (especially in Japan, Germany, Spain
and the USA) and has grown by almost 40% per year over the past decade. As a result, demand is now out-pacing
supply, causing a module shortage that has resulted in increasing prices and 2+ month lead times on module orders.
Despite industry-wide shortages, Smart Quest Inc. maintains a healthy stock of modules in inventory.
Inverters convert DC (direct current) electricity that is produced by solar PV modules to AC (alternating current)
electricity that is commonly used by homes and businesses. Inverters operate silently and interface seamlessly with the
utility grid. When batteries are included in your system, the inverter draws power from them as required and prevents the
batteries from being over-discharged.
Mounting Frames securely fasten your PV panels to a stable structure, such as a roof. There are many options that
ensure flexibility in mounting your panels for maximum solar production and aesthetic value. Panels may be secured to
the roof of your home, on an outbuilding such as a garage or on a specially-built patio shade structure. Mounting options
also include "ground mounts" such as a concrete pad poured in the ground, "pole mounts" on steel poles and "tracking
mounts" on poles that can track the path of the sun over the course of the day.
Monitoring Equipment provides system performance information in a convenient display format. All inverters include a
readout screen showing basic real-time system performance. However, some people would like to keep track of their
system performance on their home computer, on the web, or using a table-top or wall-mounted console. Most inverter
manufacturers offer options for monitoring equipment, both hard-wired and wireless, and we would be happy to discuss
these various options with you. For large-scale projects requiring sophisticated web-based monitoring or for lobby
kiosks.
Safety Equipment is required to ensure that solar PV systems operate safely. The National Electric Code requires
certain fuses and disconnects be added to the system. Typically a disconnect is required between each component of the
system: one between the solar array and the inverter and one that allows the utility company to disconnect your system
from the grid. There is also a required sign that indicates where this disconnect switch is located, in order to be easily
recognized by utility workers and firefighters.
Utility Meters must be of a specific type to allow net-metering and grid-interconnection. The Utility company will
provide a “net meter” that will spin bi-directionally, thereby allowing the meter to spin backwards and credit you for the
electricity you produce.
Batteries store power for later use. Optional in grid-tie systems, batteries provide back-up power in the event of a
power outage. For stand-alone systems, batteries store energy produced during peak sunshine periods and provide
power when needed: at night or during periods of cloudy weather. There are two main types of batteries: "Sealed" or
"Wet-Cell." Wet-cell batteries offer the most affordable and durable choice for applications requiring frequent battery
discharge, such as an Off-Grid remote power needs. For remote homes, weekend cabins or RVs, wet cell batteries are
often the best choice. For grid-tie systems with battery back-up, where the batteries spend most of the time waiting for a
grid failure, sealed batteries are the best choice. Though more expensive, sealed batteries require no maintenance,
produce no off-gassing and are more durable over the long-term when spending most of the time in a full state of charge.
SYSTEM SCHEMATIC:
