How Solar Power Works

Modern photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems aren’t “plug-and-play” yet but they’ve become remarkably simple, relying on reliable physics that turn sunshine into electricity!

• PV Solar Power: Light, Not Heat – The more light, the more energy solar panels produce. Direct sunlight is best, but even cloudy days produce electricity.
  
• Facing South Is Best – South-facing roofs get the most sunlight, all day long. East and west-facing roofs can also be used but will produce somewhat less electricity.
• Spin Your Meter Backwards – During the day, PV solar power usually makes more power than your house needs. The excess power is sent back through your electric meter to the utility, spinning the meter backwards and earning you credit. At night, you “withdraw” the power you “deposited” during the daytime.
• Zeroing Out Your Electric Bill – As a solar energy customer, you only pay your electric bill annually. If, at the end of one year, you produce the same amount of power as you use, your electric bill will be zero (or nearly so, as there may be a small monthly service charge).
• Eliminate the Most Expensive Power – Most utilities charge higher rates for power as you use more. So, even if you only use solar energy to produce HALF the power you need, you may cut your energy bill by 70% by only buying the cheapest power from your utility and eliminating the penalties caused by higher power usage.