How a Solar Electric System works.

1. Solar panels turn sunlight (photons) into electricity using the semiconductors in the solar modules. At this stage the electricity is DC.
2. A device called an inverter converts DC current into alternating (AC) current. At this stage the electricity can be utilized by the home or business.
3. A typical Solar Electric System is commonly known as a "grid-tie" system. The residence or business remains connected to the utility grid and thus, the need and extra expense for an on site battery unit is eliminated.
4. The excess AC power that is not needed by the home or business is directed back to the main utility grid and thus, your electric meter begins to spin in reverse. This results in a credit for you with your electric utility provider.
5. If you require more electrical power than your solar system is creating, you can still access electrical power from the grid as you did prior to your solar panel installation.

A solar electric system does all this without negatively impacting your lifestyle. Solar is affordable, low maintenance, environmentally friendly, quiet, decreases the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere, reduces your energy costs, and a solar electric system is safe. In a very real sense, you are switching from your local utility provider to a universal provider called the SUN!

Note: Scheduled to start in 2011, California utilities will be bound by law to pay their utility customers for excess solar power generated and sent back to the main utility grid.

For more information regarding rebate programs available that can assist you in covering the cost of investing in a solar electric system, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy DSIRE website.