Solar Electric Solutions
Solar Electric Technology Basics
Photovoltaic (Solar Electric) is quite simple in concept, yet utilizes sophisticated technology to produce dependable power and achieve outstanding cost savings. Solar panels collect or absorb the sun’s radiant energy (light) and convert that energy into DC electricity. The solar panel arrays — a collection of multiple solar panels or modules — are wired together to produce a voltage and ampere level sufficient to provide power to the home or business.
The DC electricity is transported through a wire run to an “Inverter”, which converts the DC electricity to high quality AC electricity. The inverter feeds the electric current to the main electric panel where the electricity can be distributed to all of the circuits in the structure. Any excess electricity from the solar system automatically feeds back through the electric meter and into the electric utility grid. This is only one of many solar configurations that can be implemented.
To learn more about the solar electric process and the related equipment 
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Republished with permission. © 2004 Home Power Inc., www.homepower.com
Solar Electric Configurations
On-Grid, Utility Connected
This is the most basic—and most popular—solar electric configuration. An on-grid system produces power during the day, the home/business uses the solar electricity and any excess production is purchased by the electric utility. At night when electric rates are the lowest, electricity is supplied from the utility grid.
Off-Grid, Non Utility Connected
A solar electric configuration for the home or business where electric utility power is not available, not feasible for connection, or where the home or business owner desires complete energy independence. This system produces solar electricity during the day, supplying the home with power and charging a battery bank where power is stored for use at night.
On-Grid, Utility Connected with Battery Backup
This configuration introduces the battery backup components of an Off-Grid system into a grid connected system. This configuration is highly effective where utility generated electricity is unreliable or where critical systems rely on uninterrupted power.
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Useful Local Solar Energy Information
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