Solar Electrical Power

Solar power

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) are a non-polluting source of energy that is increasingly being recognized as a major renewable technology for the future. Photovoltaic Panels have been used for over 40 years to convert energy from the sun into electricity.

A home solar system generates electricity from sunlight. Although they may look complicated, solar panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance. They make no noise and no pollution – just clean, reliable electricity directly from the sun. A photovoltaic electric “panel” system works directly with your existing electrical system. There’s no need to change your appliances, and there are no batteries involved for an on grid system. “Nothing in your home changes”.

An inverter takes the DC power directly from the solar panels and converts it to the same AC power your home uses. The AC energy is then sent to your existing service panel which distributes electricity throughout your home. At certain times of the day, your solar system will typically create more power than you are using. This excess power will be sent to your electrical meter, causing the meter to run backwards, and gaining “credits” with the utility company. You will then draw these energy credits from the grid on a cloudy day or at night when your system is not producing energy from the sun.

The California Solar Initiative, combined with federal tax incentives, can substantially reduce the total cost of your solar system.

If you buy electricity from one of California's three investor-owned utilities (IOUs - Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric), and you have roof or ground space that gets unobstructed sunlight from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. year round, you qualify for cash back incentives through the California Solar Initiative.