Solar Electricity

Solar electricity is a clean, renewable energy source produced by sunlight. The sun, being an unlimited resource, is able to produce all of the power consumers would ever require. Even on cloudy days, a solar electric system will produce power if it is well-designed, installed, and properly maintained.

Because of lower costs and greater efficiency, solar electric systems are increasingly becoming a more viable solution to consumer's energy needs. The cost of a system has steadily decreased over the past 30 years; the cost per Watt has dropped from $100 to $9–$10.

As the price of electricity and non-renewable fuels rise, and as financial incentives for renewable energy systems increase, solar is becoming mainstream with home and business owners alike.

How it Works

Sunlight hits solar panels, which are comprised of solar cells made of semi-conducting materials such as silicone. The solar cells absorb the sunlight, knocking electrons loose from their atoms. The flow of the electrons through the silicon produces electricity. This process of light (photo) converted into electricity (voltage) is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.

When solar panels are placed together, called an array, solar energy is converted into DC electricity. The DC electricity then enters an inverter, which turns it into AC electricity. The AC power enters the utility panel in the house and is distributed for power usage throughout the household.

There are two main types of solar electricity systems: (1) Grid Tied and (2) Off Grid. A Grid Tied system is connected to the power company, so when the system produces an excess of power it can be given to the power company for credit. An Off Grid system is not connected to the power company, so it needs to store energy in batteries for use when the system is not producing power. It commonly uses another type of energy resource, such as a generator, for a backup power supply.

Benefits

Cost-Effective – A Grid Tied solar system can increase the value of your home or business by more than the system cost. Plus, there are no assessed property taxes on your system and you may qualify for additional tax rebates.

Long Term – Very little maintenance is required. Solar panels have a twenty-five year warranty and will produce electricity for thirty-five to forty years. All of the other components have a five year warranty. Grid tied systems have a five-year labor warranty.

Customizable Solutions – A system can be sized based on desired utility bill savings. Additionally, a solar electricity system does not have to be location dependent due to Grid Tied/Off Grid options.

Grid Tied Systems – Produce excess energy in the summer and get credits on the utility bill in the winter! Net Metering or "rolling back the meter" allows excess energy to be feed back into the utility grid for credit. Plus there are many available incentives from both the state and federal governments.

Environmentally Friendly – It is a clean, abundant energy source.