How Solar Works
Solar power has never been more popular… but not everyone is clued in to how it works. After all, how can a gargantuan ball of gas and plasma 93,000,000 miles away power your garage door or your TV remote?
Solar Technology Now Works in 4 Easy Steps
It might sound complex, but recent developments in solar technology have made it as simple as a 4-step process:
1.
Your Solar Panels Capture Energy From Sunlight
The capturable energy in sunlight is called a photon. Solar panels are mostly made of photovoltaic (PV) cells. These PV cells in turn are made of a semi-conductive material, usually silicon. When sunlight hits them, the sun’s photons trigger “sleeping” electrons inside the silicon. These electrons ‘wake up’ and start escaping the silicon in the form of direct current (DC) electricity. We call this the photovoltaic effect.
2.
The Electricity’s Energy Type Is Changed
Your home can’t use DC electricity to power itself. So the electricity is funneled into a device called an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) energy. This is done by switching the direction the electricity is traveling back and forth at super-high speeds.
3.
The Energy Is Sent To Your Home
This AC energy is then run through your net meter before entering your household. At this point it’s freely available for you to use – no extra work on your end needed.
4.
What Happens to Your Extra Energy
When your solar system produces more energy than you need, none of it goes to waste. If you’re still hooked up to the electrical grid, that extra energy is sent through the grid for your city to use – which they will happily pay you for! If your system isn’t producing enough energy on its own, you’ll be able to “rent” energy from the grid using credits you’ve built up from your excess energy. And if you’ve made the decision to go off-grid, you can use solar batteries to store your extra energy for when you need it.
Why Solar Energy?
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, there’s never been a better time to switch to solar.
With technology improvements and financial incentives to take advantage of, solar energy makes sense.
Benefits of Solar Energy for Your Home
Switching to solar energy provides a range of advantages that go beyond just powering your home. Here are some key benefits:
Lower Energy Bills
Solar energy allows you to generate your own power, reducing your reliance on the electrical grid. By producing your own energy, you can save significantly on monthly electricity costs. And when your solar system generates extra energy, you can even earn credits from the grid, lowering your expenses further.
Energy Independence
Solar panels give you the power to generate energy directly from the sun, offering independence from traditional energy sources. With battery storage, you can use your stored solar energy on cloudy days or during outages, ensuring your home remains powered.
Environmentally Friendly
Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power. By using solar, you help reduce carbon emissions and pollution, contributing to a healthier planet. It’s a small change that can make a big difference over time.
Increase in Home Value
Homes equipped with solar panels are often valued higher due to the savings they offer on energy bills and their appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Installing solar can be a smart investment that pays off if you decide to sell your home.
Solar Energy Success Stories from our Clients
Here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say about their experience with ECOcentrix’s solar installations.
Is Solar Right for You?
Deciding if solar energy is the right choice for your home involves considering several key factors. While solar power offers significant benefits, it’s important to ensure that it aligns with your energy consumption, your budget, location and financial goals.
Here’s what you should think about:
1. Your Location and Sun Exposure
Solar energy works best in areas with long hours of sunlight. While solar panels can generate electricity in most climates, homes in sunnier regions tend to benefit the most. Consider how much direct sunlight your roof gets throughout the day, including any shading, to maximize solar energy production.
2. Your Roof’s Condition
Solar panels are a long-term investment, so your roof should be in good shape to support them. If your roof needs repairs or replacement soon, it’s best to address that before installing solar. If your roof does need replacement, ECOcentrix can provide you a free quote.
3. Your Energy Usage
If your home uses a significant amount of energy, solar can help offset those costs. Evaluate your current electricity bills to determine how much energy you use on a regular basis. The more energy-efficient your home is, the more you’ll benefit from solar energy.
4. Financial Considerations
The initial cost of solar installation can be a concern, but various incentives, rebates, and financing options can make solar more affordable. Over time, solar can save you money on your electricity bills, so it’s important to think about the long-term financial benefits.
5. Your Environmental Goals
If reducing your carbon footprint and supporting renewable energy is a priority for you, solar is an excellent option. Solar power is a clean, renewable resource that helps you contribute to a greener future.
Our Certifications
Proven expertise backed by recognized certifications
FAQs
Solar panels capture sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) cells made of silicon. When sunlight hits the PV cells, it triggers electrons in the silicon to create direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into usable energy.
The photovoltaic effect refers to the process where sunlight hits the solar panels, causing electrons in the silicon to become energized and generate electricity. This electricity is in the form of direct current (DC).
Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity because of how photons from sunlight interact with the photovoltaic cells. DC electricity needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) for most home uses and appliances.
An inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is what most home appliances and devices require to function.
After the inverter converts the DC electricity into AC, it is sent through a net meter and into your home’s electrical system, where it can be used to power appliances, lights, and other devices.
Any extra energy produced by your solar system is sent to the electrical grid, where it can be used by the local community. If you’re connected to the grid, you can even earn credits or compensation for this excess energy.
If your solar system isn’t producing enough energy, you can draw power from the grid, using credits you’ve earned from excess energy production. Alternatively, you can store any excess energy in solar batteries if you’re off-grid.
Yes! As long as your system is connected to the grid, any energy produced can be sent to the grid, and you’ll be credited for it. If you’re off-grid, you can store excess energy in solar batteries for later use.
While solar panels are low-maintenance, you should occasionally clean them to remove dust and debris that could block sunlight. Regular maintenance ensures that they continue to work efficiently.
Yes, depending on the size of your solar system, it can provide enough energy to power your entire home. You can also use excess energy from the grid or battery storage if your system isn’t producing enough on certain days.
Maximize Your Solar Savings With Us!
Ready to Embrace the Sun?
Contact us now to get a free solar assessment and learn how easy it is to make the switch!
