Solar 101: Solar Energy System Key Facts
Take advantage of free solar energy, spare the environment, and raise your home's value -- all by installing photovoltaic (PV) panels. Sounds great, but there are plenty of things to know about. Our job is to get you to the savings - with the least difficulty and expense. Let's take a look at some of the issues:
System Types:
There are two types of solar PV systems: Those that are not connected to the utility grid (e.g. a cabin in the woods) and those that are grid tied. A grid tied solar energy system is always beneficial where possible. By being "grid connected" you can take advantage of...
Net Metering:
At mid-day your system may generate power in excess of what you can use at that moment. The excess is put back up onto the utility grid. But your power company doesn't pay you for this excess. Instead, they'll install a special electric meter which literally spins backwards when you use less than your PV system generates. Effectively, you're being credited, because as night falls your use exceeds your generation and your meter spins forwards again. Ideally, by the end of the year the counter on your meter reads zero and you pay nothing in electric costs. That's "net metering" and it's a beautiful thing. See: Net Metering Incentive for more.
System Components:
Solar panels are just the first component in a chain of components which work together as a system with no moving parts. PV panels are connected in strings and their efficiency is dramatically affected when part of the string is in shade, emphasizing the importance of shade measurements before placing the panels. An inverter converts the DC from the panels to AC. It then satisfies current requirements within your home and places the balance up to your electric grid in a grid connected configuration. First, however, the surplus power passes through your net meter, crediting you for producing more than you're using at mid-day (net metering). There are various shut-offs and system options, but these are the primary components. Well chosen solar panels have warrantees of 20+ years and efficiencies that out-class lesser system options. We do not install or select components. Instead, we survey installers, obtain bids, and then suggest the best installation companies to our customers (see below).
