Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, also known as solar electric systems, capture sunlight energy and convert it into electricity. PV systems can be used to power everything in your home from lights and appliances to an electric vehicle.

How does a Solar PV System work?

1. Individual Photovoltaic (PV) Cells are connected to each other in a Solar Panel or Solar Module. Solar panels convert the energy from sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

2. The DC electricity is delivered to the Inverter, which converts direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that we use in our homes and business. Most appliances and electrical gadgets run on AC electricity.

3. The Utility Meter records the net amount of energy consumed by utility customers. When a solar customer produces more energy than they use during the day, the meter will "spin backward" and the excess electricity is sent to the electric grid. At the end of the month, the utility company bills the customer for the net amount of energy they purchased from the electric grid.

How are solar system sizes estimated?

The average residential system size is about 5 kW but there are several factors that impact the optimal system size for your customer, including their 12-month prior electricity usage and desired bill and energy offset as well as the space their home has available.

How Does Net Metering (NEM) Work?

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. For example, if a residential customer has a solar system on their roof, it will likely generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. The extra electricity is "sold" to the utility in the form of a credit that is used to buy energy from the utility when needed.

Customers are only billed for their "net" energy use. The amount they receive as a credit depends on the net metering conditions offered by their utility.