Advantages of solar power

Solar panel installation in a home can be a cost effective way to reduce your electricity bill and reduce carbon emissions (in some areas you can even sell our excess electricity back to the power company).

In the last 15 years solar panels have gained prominence as prices for the panels and their installation have dropped precipitously. There are also numerous tax credits available to those who have solar panels installed but a solar panel company sales representative would be more knowledgeable on that subject.

When most people think of solar panels installed for a residence they think of roof installations but installation on the ground is also possible (and sometimes the more cost effective option) Regardless of where they are installed, solar panels ultimately must be connected to the electrical system in your home. However, there are some inherent differences between electricity that comes into your home from the power company and electricity generated by solar panels.

Electricity from the power company versus electricity generated by solar panels

The main difference is that solar panels generate electricity in direct current (DC) which is different from the alternating current (AC) that comes into your house from your local electric company. In order for appliances, outlets and lights in a home to run properly all of the electricity must be converted to AC.

Therefore a device called an inverter must be installed which will convert the direct current from the panels into the alternating current that households have run on for over 100 years.

Ultimately, the DC electricity from the solar panels travels to the inverter, gets converted to AC and then travels to the main service panel in a home where it is then distributed throughout the house just like electricity from the local utility.