HOW SOLAR POWER WORKS

Solar power converts sunlight into usable electricity for your home.  By utilizing a solar power system, you have the opportunity to become the proud owner of a miniature power plant, right on your property.  By producing electricity onsite, solar power has the ability to reduce your electricity bills or provide power in locations off of the utility grid. 

Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Modern solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells that are able to convert sunlight into direct-current (DC) power.  Panels can be mounted on your roof or on the ground, wherever there is ample sunlight away from tree coverage. In Georgia, solar panels facing South will generate the most electricity, although East and West facing panels will still capture plenty of sunlight. 

Solar Power Inverters

The DC power from your solar panels is sent through a device called an inverter, which converts the direct current into alternating current (AC).  This power is sent to your electric panel, which sends usable electricity throughout your home.

Grid-Tie Solar  

When the sun is out, most homes with solar panels will generate more power than they consume.  When this is the case, the excess electricity will flow into the utility power grid and your electric meter will measure the amount of energy sent back to grid! Depending on your provider, you may be credited for this excess energy production, as your electric provider will actually pay you for the electricity produced by your solar power system. This is called net metering. 

At night, your home’s electricity will function normally, as you will be using electricity from the utility grid to power your home.  In some cases, homeowners will add a battery to their solar power system. The added bit of battery can further help reduce electricity costs and can power the home during a utility grid black out. 

Learn more about Grid-tie Solar Systems or Grid-tie + Battery Backup Solar Systems.

Off-Grid Solar 

Off-grid solar systems make it possible to generate electricity away from the power grid.  Whether this is a simple light post on your property or the main source of energy for your off-grid cabin, off-grid solar systems bring renewable electricity without a power bill. 

Learn more about Off-Grid Solar.  

Not sure what kind of solar power is best for you?  You can contact one of our solar pros for a free consultation for your solar power system.