Solar panels composed of photovoltaic (PV) cells typically made of silicon, convert sunlight into electricity. This clean, renewable energy is then used to power your home.

• Absorption: Solar panels absorb sunlight. Each PV cell within the panel captures photons, which are particles of sunlight.
  
  
• Conversion: The PV cells convert the photons into electrons, creating direct current (DC) electricity.
  
  
• Inversion: An inverter changes DC electricity into alternating current (AC), since most home appliances use AC electricity.
  
  
• Utilization: The converted AC electricity powers your home's lights, appliances, and other electronic devices.

• Solar Panels: The primary component that captures sunlight and converts it into DC electricity.
  
  
• Inverter: Converts DC electricity from the panels to AC electricity for household use. Many modern inverters come with built-in monitoring capabilities that allow you to track your system’s performance.
  
  
• Mounting and Racking System: Ensures the panels are supported and securely attached to your roof ensuring they are positioned optimally to capture sunlight.
  
  
• Electrical Panel: Distributes the electricity to different parts of your home.
  
  
• Utility Meter: Measures the amount of electricity you use from your electric utility company and sent back to the grid.
  
  
• Batteries (Optional): Store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or during cloudy days.

• Cost Savings: Solar can help you save by reducing the amount of electricity you need to purchase from your local utility grid. You lower your overall energy costs when what you pay for solar is less than your typical utility costs. Additionally, states offer different compensation programs to homeowners who send solar-generated energy back to the grid.
  
  
• Increased Energy Independence: Generating your own electricity reduces your reliance on the grid, making you less vulnerable to energy price hikes. If you have a battery, you have the added benefit of being less vulnerable to the impact of outages.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly: Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that reduces your carbon footprint.
  
  
• Easy Maintenance: Solar energy systems typically require minimal maintenance. Most systems come with long-term warranties, and for our PPA and Lease customers, service repairs are provided at no additional cost.

• Roof Condition: Your roof should be in good shape to support solar panels. Newer or well-maintained roofs are best.
  
  
• Sun Exposure: South-facing rooftops with a 15-to-40-degree roof angle typically receive the most sunlight as long as no trees or nearby structures are shading the roof.
  
  
• Climate: Solar panels work more efficiently in sunny climates but can still generate substantial energy in cloudy areas.

Solar energy offers many benefits. From potentially significant cost savings and improved environmental impact to increased energy independence, you can feel good about your solar energy investment.