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How Does Solar Electricity Work?

1. Solar Modules
Solar panels are installed on your home, commercial property, or municipal building. The panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which covert sunlight into useable DC power.

2. Inverter
The DC power from the photovoltaic cells is sent to an inverter (or power converter), where it is converted into AC power. AC power is identical to that being sent to you by the utility.

3. Electric Panel
The AC power travels from the inverter to the electrical panel, or breaker box. This power is then available to service all electrical needs. The utility meter continually measures the electrical supply.

4. Utility Grid
The utility grid remains in place to supply electricity when more power than the system has produced is needed. This usually happens at night.

Excess power produced by the solar modules flows into the grid through the electric meter, causing the meter to spin backwards and gain credit with the utility company.