HOW IT WORKS

SOLAR PANELS

consist of attached silicon cells that form an electrical circuit and are also known as photovoltaic cells.

These cells can be combined into larger arrangements called modules, and these modules can be combined to form photovoltaic systems. When photons hit a solar cell, they knock electrons loose from their atoms. If the positive and negative sides of a cell are attached to conductors, they generate electricity. Photovoltaic modules provide electricity for space, portable, remote, and utility-interactive applications. Solar panels produce a significant amount of electrical power with no moving parts, noise, or emissions.

MICROINVERTERS

convert the DC electricity from the panels or battery into AC power. Excess electricity can be sent back to the grid.

Grid-tied solar inverters are wired to a utility required disconnect and into your main electrical panel that sends electricity through your meter and into your home. If you produce more energy than you use this electricity can be sent back to the grid.
solar energy basics

NET METERING

under a federal law called the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA)

Utilities must allow homes that produce their own solar energy basics to connect to the energy grid; the companies must buy any excess power homes or businesses produce. Many states have gone past that to allow net metering, which is a solar incentive that allows you to send energy back to the grid and get credit for it on your utility bill. If the PV system uses net metering, the utility’s electricity meter runs backwards when power is exported from the PV system to the utility.

Solar Energy Basics