How Do Solar Panels work?

Sunlight hits the solar panels, which creates electricity called solar energy. This electricity is sent to a Solar Inverter, which makes the energy usable in a home. This electricity that isn’t used on site is sent back on to the electric grid or into a battery.

Technically speaking, a solar panel “works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity,” according to Live Science. That’s a technical way of saying that the panel’s photovoltaic cells convert the energy in sunlight to electricity (specifically, direct current (DC)). This DC electricity is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter.

Electricity produced at or near the point where it is used is called Distributed Generation (DG). Distributed solar energy can be located on rooftops or ground-mounted, and is typically connected to the local utility distribution grid. There are a wide variety of policies at the state and local level that impact distributed solar and its customers.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to sell the electricity they aren't using back into the grid. Many states have passed net metering laws. In other states, utilities may offer net metering programs voluntarily or as a result of regulatory decisions. Differences between state legislation and implementation policies mean that the benefits of net metering can vary widely for solar customers in different areas of the country. Having a net metering policy in your state helps improve your investment into solar.

What is the Solar Tax Credit?

The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. The ITC applies to both residential and commercial systems, and there is no cap on its value. (energysage.com)

Does SolEnergy perform the solar installation?

Yes, SolEnergy’s expert solar installers will perform your solar install at ZERO up front cost to you. In fact, SolEnergy even performs solar installations for some of its ‘competitors’.

Will I need to be home for the solar installation?

In most cases, No. The majority of our work is performed outside of the home. In a situation where you will may to be home, we will coordinate around your schedule.