Solar panels, made up of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, convert sunlight into direct current (DC) power. In essence, they turn dormant roofs into mini-electric power stations.

DC power is then transferred from the solar photovoltaic panels to inverters, where it is converted from DC power into alternating current (AC) electricity for your home.

AC power travels from the inverters to the customer’s electrical panel. This solar power is powering the loads in your home during the day when the sun is shining.

When the system produces more power than the home is using, excess energy is sent to the grid. A bi-directional meter installed by the utility provider keeps track of the flow to and from the grid.

Solar Array.

A solar array is a collection of multiple solar panels that generate electricity as a system. Simply put, a solar panel works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity.  When photons hit a solar cell, they knock electrons loose from their atoms. If conductors are attached to the positive and negative sides of a cell, it forms an electrical circuit. When electrons flow through such a circuit, they generate electricity.

Inverter.

A solar inverter is one of the most important elements of the solar electric power system. It converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into alternating current (AC). This AC electricity then can be fed into your home to operate your appliances. In most cases it also has an display that allows you to read data about how your system is performing at a given moment and over time. Some systems use micro-inverters, which mount under the solar panels and allow AC electricity to be sent directly from the array.

Main Service Panel.

The electricity flows from the inverter, through more wiring and conduit, to your main service panel. In most cases, we install a solar breaker at the bottom of your main service panel (aka electrical panel or breaker panel). This connection to your service panel is what makes it possible to power your home with solar. The solar electricity flows first to any loads running in the house, such as a refrigerator, TV, lights, or anything else that might be consuming power while the sun is shining.

Net Meter.

Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to sell the electricity they aren't using back into the grid. Here in North Carolina, your utility allows you to spin your net meter backwards and generate a credit on your electric bill for your excess solar power. These credits tend to build up quickly in the summer months and can be cashed-in during the less-sunny winter months.