To the untrained eye, solar energy systems, which have minimal maintenance requirements and few components, seem quite simple. But there is actually quite a bit of science that goes on behind the scenes as the energy from the sun is transformed into electricity that can power your home or business. In addition to giving you a greater understanding of electricity, knowing how your solar panels collect energy also helps you calculate how much electricity your system produces.

Like other energy cycles, solar electricity is produced in a series of steps. The primary catalyst in the solar electric cycle is sunlight. Solar energy systems require sunlight to start working, which is why they don't produce at night. Once the sun's rays hit solar panels Las Vegas, the reaction creates an electrical current. This is called a direct current, or a “DC” current. The panels then send the energy collected from the sun to the inverter, which plays the important role of transforming energy into a safe and usable form. DC electricity is too powerful for safe use in homes and buildings, which is where the inverter comes in handy. The inverter's job is to change DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the most common form of electricity used to power your home and everything in it, including small appliances and electronics. The power collected in the inverter is then sent to the home's breaker box, where it is distributed throughout the building. The breaker box sends the highest volumes of electricity to devices that use it most, such as dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, and other large appliances. The breaker box is also an important safety mechanism, as it shuts off power supply in the event of a power surge. The breaker box sends electricity to appliances based on demand, which means that excess power can be stored for later use if more energy is produced at a given time than is needed.

For those who have solar energy systems, the last part of the equation is the most rewarding. Extra electricity generated is sent back through the utility meter, which is a piece of equipment that tracks the building's energy consumption. The electricity that flows through the meter is returned to the utility grid. The excess energy produced by a solar energy system can then be used in several ways. In some locations, homeowners rely on the additional energy produced on sunny days to power their homes on cloudy or rainy days. Your qualified Las Vegas solar installers will also be able to explain to you what your options are for selling extra power that your solar system produces back to your utility provider. The most common arrangement is called a power purchase agreement. It is a win-win scenario for both parties, as homeowners can earn revenue from unused electricity, and utility providers can buy back the energy at a wholesale cost, which is less expensive than standard retail rates.