How Solar Works

A Simple Overview

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into DC (direct current) power. A home, and our Utility grid is AC (alternating current) power, so the DC power from the solar array is converted to AC power by an inverter. The inverter output of AC power travels from the inverter into to the electrical panel, or breaker box, as it is commonly referred and becomes part of your home electrical system. If you are considering solar for your home, most often you will be considering a standard “grid-tied” system, meaning your home is interconnected with utility electrical grid. When your home is interconnected with the utility grid, electricity flows automatically. With solar, it flows both directions, in and out. On sunny days you will be using the power produced by your array and feeding the extra power onto the grid (earning credit), and then at night you will be pulling from the grid (using credit). This exchange of energy and credits with the utility is called “Net-Metering” and is an essential incentive with owning your own solar array. The wonder of these systems is that the electrical “grid” of your existing utility is used like a giant rechargeable battery. The most common system is mounted directly onto your roof, but there are a variety of ways to install a system utilizing the land or other structures on your property.