Solar On Grid System

Solar Electric Systems, also known as PV systems (photovoltaic), convert the sunlight into electricity. Solar panels capture and convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This is then fed to the inverter, which converts the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity. AC electricity is what powers your lights, air conditioning, and other electric appliances.

Utility Meter

An existing meter all homes have if they get electricity from a local utility.  With a home solar power system, you’ll upgrade to a net meter to measure how much electricity you use and how much you produce. If your home solar system produces more power than you use, the meter actually spins backwards, and keeps track of a credit. As you use more electricity, you will first use up any credits that you have before using and paying for additional electricity.

Utility Grid

The utility grid is the system of distribution lines owned and operated by utility companies that delivers electricity from the power plant to your home. Your home remains connected to the utility grid, so you can still get electricity when you need it (for example at night when your home solar power system isn’t producing).

 Inverter

The inverter takes the direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels and converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, the standard form of electricity used by your home appliances.

On-Grid” solar power applications refers to a solar power system that works with your power company to lower your electrical bills. When your system isn’t producing, such as at night, the grid is your backup electricity source—and your meter spins forward as it always has. When your home solar system generates more electricity than you use, the extra power is sent to your utility and you receive a credit. During sunny summer days, you might see your electricity usage dial spin backwards.

Applications

Solar Power systems have many applications, ranging from homes that want to reduce their power consumption, to homes found in remote locations where electrical power is not available – or is extremely costly. Solar power systems range greatly in size, depending largely on the current energy consumption, and the amount you are looking to reduce.

Everything Else

‘Everything else’ is the term used for all of the equipment from a home solar power system aside from the solar panels and the inverter.