Radiant energy transmitted from the sun.
An electrical device consisting of a large array of connected solar cells.
An electrical current whose direction stays constant. Energy that is transmitted from the sun comes in the form of DC energy.
An electrical current that periodically changes or reverses its flow. Homes in North American use AC power to operate household appliances such as a TV, radio, and refrigerator. AC power is the only power that utility companies recognize.
An electrical device that converts DC power into AC power. An inverter takes the DC power generated from solar panels and converts into AC power so that the energy can be useable for household appliances.
Known as photovoltaic cell, it is a semiconductor device that converts the energy of sunlight into electric energy.
A ray of sunlight.
The production of a voltage when exposed to radiant energy, especially light.
A unit of power, equal to 1000 watts.
A unit of energy, equivalent to the energy transferred or expended in one hour by one kilowatt of power.
Electrical device that is used for measuring the amount of electric power used.
The electrical device that delivers power to homes and businesses. Owned and managed by electric utilities companies.

Residential Solar

did you know?

"A typical silicon cell solar module will have a life in excess of 50 years. The electric generating capacity may degrade gradually between 0-20% over its useful life."

"A cloudy location (i.e. Hamburg, Germany) receives approximately 2.5 hours of sunlight on average throughout the year."

Free Solar Evaluation

How Solar Works

Understanding solar is as easy as watching a sunset

  1. Sun

    The rays from the sun hit the photovoltaic panels causing the production of solar energy.

  2. Photovoltaic panel (Solar Panel)

    Contain solar cells which each cell produces electric power in direct current (DC).

  3. Inverter

    The DC power is sent from the solar panels to an inverter to convert into alternating current (AC). AC is the standard power that is used inside homes on everyday appliances and is the electrical power that is recognized by your local electric company.

  4. Electric Meter

    The electricity from the inverter flows through your electric meter which is measured in kilowatt hours. When you are generating more electricity than you are using the overage power is sent onto the grid. This causes your meter to spin backwards essentially selling electricity back to the utility company. When you need more electricity than you are producing the electricity is funneled back from the grid.

  5. Utility Grid (Power Line)

    The utility grid is controlled by the electric company and it provides electricity when needed. When you over produce electricity the overage is sent back to the grid and your electric company recognizes this as a credit. At night when you are not producing solar power your credit is utilized and electricity flows back from the grid into your home.