THE SUN IS A POWER PLANT IN THE SKY
The SUN produces ENOUGH power in one hour a day to SUPPLY the EARTH with electric POWER for one year.
SOLAR MODULES (PV)
Solar technology uses large crystals made out of silicon or copper-indium-gallium-selenide which produces an electrical current when struck by light. A photovoltaic (PV) system consists of one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules. One PV-module consists of about 36-72 photovoltaic solar cells. The PV modules are connected in a series called an array. Because PV Arrays are built with individual, linked PV modules, photovoltaic systems are exceptionally modular, which provides for easy transportation and rapid installation, and enables easy expansion if power requirements increase.
INVERTERS
That solar energy is then sent to a power inverter that converts the Direct Current (DC) to Alternative Current (AC) which is what we use in our homes. Inverters are the “brains” of the solar electric system. The inverter monitors the utility grid and controls your solar energy systems production, as well as shutting your system down during a utility black-out. The newest technology available is ‘microinverters’, allow solar panels to operate independently of each other. So if one module ends up in the shade, the others just keep on buzzing, resulting in much higher average system availability.
NET METERING
When the solar system produces more electricity than what its needed during sun hours, excess electricity is automatically “sold” back to the utility company for a credit to be used when sunlight is not available. The electric meter actually runs backwards!