1. Solar Modules

Solar modules mounted on the roof or grounds of your facility convert sunlight into DC power.

2. Inverter

This power is sent to a device called an inverter (or power converter) which converts the DC power from the solar modules to AC power identical to that being sent to you from the utility grid.

3. Electrical Panel

Power travels from the inverter to your electrical service panel (your breaker box) where it is distributed to electrical loads throughout your facility.

4. Utility Grid

Excess power produced by the solar modules flows into the grid through your electric meter, causing your meter to run backwards and gaining you a credit with the utility company.

Most solar installations that you see on homes and businesses are usually comprised of Photovoltaic (PV) Cells. Photovoltaics, as the word implies (photo = light, voltaic = electricity), convert sunlight directly into electricity.

PV cells are made of special materials called semiconductors. A grouping of PV cells electrically connected and grouped into a frame is called a Solar Panel or Solar Module.

When sunlight strikes the cells it is absorbed within the semiconductor material and the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current and we can draw off that current to use externally for homes, businesses and power plants.