Solar Power - How Does it Work?

Solar radiation is by far the most abundant source of energy we have available to us today, yet less than one percent of our energy comes from this renewable resource. One common misconception that is hindering the widespread adoption of solar power is it is believed to be a high maintenance technology, but this is not the case. It’s actually very simple and easy to implement. Solar photovoltaic modules, most commonly referred to as “panels” are low maintenance, with no moving parts. Solar panels are completely encapsulated and are made up of individual silicon cells. When the sun shines on the panels, the silicon cells warm up and begin to vibrate, creating a kinetic energy. That kinetic energy produces a stream of Direct Current (DC) electricity. The direct current coming from the panels are then filtered into an inverter, a piece of equipment about the size of a microwave that is stored near the service panel, typically in the garage or a cool place. The inverter is the work horse of the solar power system. The inverter converts the direct current electricity being produced from the solar modules into Alternating Current (AC) electricity. Alternating Current electricity is what your household appliances run off of. Once a solar power system and inverter are hooked up, the system is then connected to your electric panel. This is where the electricity produced from your solar system is released onto the utility’s electrical grid. The energy from the solar power system will offset any demand coming from inside your home. If your home is using more energy than your system is producing then you can pull energy from the utility grid so that you will always have all the energy that you need. New smart meters measure the energy produced by a solar power system. This energy is measured in kilowatt hours, which is also what your San Diego Gas and Electric bill shows for your monthly consumption history. Once a solar power system is installed at your property, you go onto an annual billing arrangement with the utility. Every month you will receive a statement in the mail saying how much energy you’ve produced and how much energy you have consumed. At the end of one-year, you “true up” with the utility. That is, SDG&E will send you a statement stating how much money you owe them, or.. how much money they owe you! But don’t get too excited. While you can pay up to 31 centers per kilowatt hour, or unit of electricity; the utility will only pay you 3.8 cents for any excess electricity that you produce beyond your consumption. As such, it is very important not to oversize a solar power system. If you have an interest in going solar, call Sullivan Solar Power. One of their solar experts can walk you through the step by step process of going solar. They can also provide a preliminary estimate over the phone and schedule a complimentary site evaluation for your home or business. The company offers financing for homeowners to go solar for nothing out of pocket. Additionally, Sullivan Solar Power is currently offering a Sullivan Cash Reward of $0.20 per watt up to $1,500 cash-back, which allows San Diego residents to get paid to go solar. Call 1-800-SULLIVAN or visit www.SullivanSolarPower.com for more information.