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How Solar Works

Elegantly Simple

Despite the mystic, solar power systems are fairly simple systems without any moving parts.  They are modular, quick to install, and require little to no maintenance.  Below is a list of the primary components that make up a solar power system.

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Solar Modules or Panels 

The solar panels on your roof generate Direct Current (that's the same kind of electricity you get from a battery.)

 

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Inverters

An Inverter, the brains of the system, changes the electricity to Alternating Current. (the type of electricity that comes into your home from the utility grid).  The inverter is connected to the main circuit-breaker panel in your home.

Electric Meter

Breaker box and Utility Meter

When you use electricity, you use the power generated by the solar panels first then, if you need more, you use power coming from the utility. The inverter is responsible for this.

If you are generating more power with the solar panels than you need, power flows back to the utility -- backwards through your meter.
 
Safety is an issue, of course; you could not build a nuclear power plant in your backyard, but if you install a UL listed, electrically inspected solar energy system then the local utility will purchase any power you generate.