System Components

Solar Panels

Solar panels are the heart of your solar energy system. They’re responsible for capturing sunlight and turning it into electricity for your home. Here’s what makes up a typical solar panel:

Photovoltaic (PV) Cells – These are the small, square-shaped cells you see on the surface of the panel. Made from silicon, PV cells absorb sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) electricity.
Glass Cover – A durable tempered glass layer protects the cells from weather, debris, and impact while still allowing sunlight to pass through. This cover is built to withstand hail, snow, and heavy winds.
Encapsulant – This clear layer keeps the PV cells in place and protects them from moisture and dirt. It sits between the glass and the backsheet, ensuring long-term durability.
Backsheet – This is the bottom layer of the panel. It’s typically white or black and made from a durable plastic that protects the panel’s internal components from the environment.
Aluminum Frame – The sturdy metal frame surrounds the panel and provides structural support. It also allows the panel to be mounted securely to your roof or racking system.

MICROINVERTERS

A microinverter is a small device installed underneath each individual solar panel. Its main job is to convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced from the solar panel to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home consumes.

Microinverters work independently with each individual panel; this means if one panel is shaded or underperforming due to a manufacturer’s defect, the performance of the other panels will not be compromised.

Microinverters offer increased energy harvest, system resilience, and design flexibility, making them ideal for roofs with complex layouts or partial shading. Beyond energy conversion, microinverters also enable real-time monitoring of each individual panel’s performance, giving homeowners greater insight and control.

With a platform like the Enphase App, you can easily track your systems production and consumption right from your smartphone or tablet in real time. This level of visibility makes it easier to detect potential issues early and maintain optimal system health over time.

At REVMA, we trust Enphase microinverters, a leading name in the solar industry known for cutting-edge technology, built-in safety features, and exceptional 25-year warranties. Enphase systems offer homeowners long-term reliability, enhanced performance, and peace of mind.

SOLAR SKIRTS

Solar skirts are a premium final touch to complete the look of a PV system on a pitched roof.

Unlike critter guards, which have an exposed mesh that make the system appear unfinished, a solar skirt offers a sleek, low-profile trim that hides all the wiring and mounting hardware.

Solar skirts give the entire array a modern and seamless design, while protecting your wiring and racking from weather debris and potential pests. At REVMA, we go a step further by wrapping the entire system in a solar skirt, not just the front-face of your system like “most installers.”

This full-perimeter of a solar skirt creates a completed look from every angle, adding a refined finish that truly sets your system apart. We believe our customers deserve more than just functionality, they deserve top-tier components, professional craftsmanship, and a solar system they can be satisfied with.

RACKING SYSTEM

One of the most critical, yet often underestimated components of a solar energy system is the racking system.

Acting as the structural backbone, the racking system supports and secures your solar panels in place.

When installing your solar system, its important that you select a reputable racking manufacturer.

Leading the industry in quality and innovation, IronRidge provides trusted, high-performance racking systems.

Below is a list of components that make up a solar racking system:

Mounts/Brackets: Are mechanically applied to the rafters/decking.
Rails: Are attached to the mounts; solar panels rest on the rails.
Multimount Clamps: Clamps that secure the panels to the rails.
Wire Clips: Neatly secure the wiring in the rail channel.
End Caps: Seal off the rail ends so nothing is exposed.
Fasteners: Bolts and screws used to hold everything together.

Depending on the roof type, there are different mounts for different applications.

Asphalt shingles require a hug mount that is backed with a strip of adhesive creating a water tight seal when the screws penetrate the roof deck.

For metal standing seam, solar racking is attached using clamps, eliminating the need for drilling into the rafters/decking.

For tile roofs, mounting hooks or replacement flashing tiles are often used to mount the system.

REVMA has the ability to install on many different roof slopes and materials.