How Residential Solar Works
Learn how sunlight is turned into usable electricity for your home. This guide explains solar panels, inverters, batteries, and net metering in simple, practical terms.
1. Solar Panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight hits these silicon-based cells, electrons move, generating direct current (DC). A typical residential panel produces 540–650 watts of power.
2. Inverters
Inverters convert DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity, the type used by home appliances. They also track system performance and ensure grid synchronization. Most homes use either a single string inverter or multiple microinverters for better efficiency.
3. Batteries (Optional)
Batteries store extra solar energy generated during the day, so you can use it at night or on cloudy days. Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their long lifespan, fast charging, and higher efficiency. A typical home system uses 5–10 kWh of battery storage.
4. Net Metering
Net metering lets you send extra electricity back to the grid. When your panels produce more power than you use, your electricity meter runs backward, giving you credits that reduce your future bills.
5. System Design & Site Inspection
A proper system design depends on your daily power usage, roof area, and local sunlight availability. During a site inspection, engineers assess roof strength, shadow areas, and electrical setup to recommend the most efficient and cost-effective system.
Thinking about switching to solar? Schedule a free site visit, our team will evaluate your roof, consumption pattern, and give a clear cost-saving estimate.
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