How Solar Power Systems Work

Solar panels, usually mounted on your roof, convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity. An inverter, which is a component included in the solar power system, converts the electricity from your panels into AC (alternating current) electricity, which can then be used and passed directly to the electric grid. A ‘net meter’ allows us to track the excess solar power that you produce and how much electricity that you use. Solar power systems can actually make your meter spin backwards.

Resources

• National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator can provide you with an estimate of the amount of electricity you can produce with a solar power system. In addition solar research, maps and data is available at www.nrel.gov/solar.
• The US Department of Energy provides a variety of renewable energy information including some on planning, installing and maintaining home solar power systems.
• The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States.

These websites also have information that you may find beneficial in your pursuit of a solar power system:

• Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
• Green Energy Ohio
• Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
• Smart Electric Power Alliance
• Solar Energy Industries Association
• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners