How Solar Power Works

Solar energy comes to us from 93 million miles away in the form of light rays. 

We are of course familiar with the sun’s warming rays on a crisp, clear morning, or in the full heat of summer. Those same rays of light can be converted directly into electricity by using the technology of semiconductors. The sunlight bumps electrons free on the surface of a photovoltaic, or PV, cell.

Stringing these cells together allows us to gather up the current of electricity and do useful work for us, such as lighting lights and running motors. Generally we run the electricity through an inverter, an electronic device that converts the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) just like the electricity we get from our outlets to run devices in our homes.

By measuring the electricity we make and we use (something the utility calls “net metering”), we can develop a way to compensate homeowners and businesses that choose to put solar electric systems on their roofs.

For more information select one of the topics at left.