Here’s How a Solar Energy System Works

1. Sunlight is captured via the solar panels and is converted to DC electricity.
2. The energy flows through the wires to the inverter where the DC electricity is converted to AC electricity.
3. Your home will then use the solar energy first for any electrical needs.
4. Any excess energy your home produces and it doesn’t use will flow back into the utility grid, spinning your meter backwards and creating a energy credit you’re your utility company.

Everyday, as the sun shines, solar panels convert the suns rays into a clean power source for your building. This energy travels through a system consisting of wires and inverters that make this process smooth and efficient. The inverter is the central computer system, which converts the direct current (DC) created by the panels into alternating current (AC), which is the type of power your home can use. This AC current goes to your main electrical panel and gets distributed to your building for use. You use what your produce first and any excess goes back to your utility creating energy credits (per kwh) for you to use when you are not producing enough power.

Is My Site Good for Solar?

There are many variables to determine whether your site can benefit from solar. Most sites have the capabilities of producing their own energy in some way. Please contact us to discuss your site and set up an appointment for one of our experienced solar consultants to talk to you about your options. The following things are the key to a successful solar site:

• Orientation (true south is ideal)
• Pitch (for roofs) or tilt (for ground)
• Average annual sunlight hours (8 hrs average per day annually is ideal)
• Shade (None is ideal)
• Space available
• Your actual energy usage

How much energy will my system produce?

The amount of energy a solar system will produce depends on these factors and how close to ideal your site actually is. We aim to use the smallest possible system to produce the most possible power given your site conditions and energy goals. The more power you can produce out of the system the larger your savings is.

Shading and Obstacles

The key to getting the most power out of your solar electric system is placing it in an area where you get the most possible direct sunlight. Trees and other nearby obstacles (large AC units, air vents, etc.) can create shade on the panels, which prohibit it from functioning at its peak capacity. We will ask you the following questions to get an idea of your property and its solar potential.

1. Do you have a south facing or open area to place a solar electric system?
2. If not, do you have an east or west area? If so, if it is your roof what is the pitch?
3. Are there any nearby trees or obstacles that create shading in this area?

Excessive shade that is produced by tall, large and full evergreen trees or even tall deciduous trees will prohibit your system from producing optimally. Often times, tree trimming or removal of the questionable tree will resolve the situation and allow for your system to function to its fullest capacity.

Available roof space, along with your budget, determines how large of a system you can install. The larger the system, the more power it can produce.

If your rooftop is not the best for installing system, or perhaps you prefer to not have it on your roof at all, we at SolarPlus will design and engineer an ideal ground mounted system that may be more suitable for your property needs and energy goals.

Shading is one of the items our expert solar consultants will analyze while at your site. They will determine if there are any possible issues and make suggestions based on your property and your energy needs to come up with a solution that is right for you.

Call us today at (877) 523-5223 for your free on-site evaluation or contact us.