Commercial Solar Basics

To understand how solar systems work you need to know the following components:

Solar Modules capture sunlight. These modules mounted on a roof or ground contain the Photovoltaic (PV) cells which convert sunlight into DC power. The power is sent to an Inverter (or power converter) which converts the DC electricity from the solar modules to AC power which is the same that being sent from your utility company. The Power flows from the inverter to the Electrical Service Panel (your breaker box) and from there it is distributed to whatever the electrical loads needed throughout your facility. Any excess power produced by your solar modules flow from your facility to the Utility Grid via your electric meter, which causes your meter to run in reverse and give you credit with the utility company for your contribution to the grid.  It is very important to know you may enter into an agreement with your untility company as their customer. This is called a Net Metering agreement and states that the power utility will credit your account for the excess power you produce which flows to the power grid. Also an important consideration is use of a Time-of-Use Meter. This will allow you to be credited for electricity you generate at different rates. These rates can be Peak and Off Peak Rates. These rates are dependent on time of day you produce power, day of the week, and month of the year. Peak Rates are often summer afternoon week days. If you send power to the grid during peak times, you will get credit at the higher, peak rate.  When you gain credit and then draw on your credit at Off Peak periods your account will be debited at Off Peak rates. If all of the electricity being generated by your solar energy system is immediately being used, your meter will not “spin backwards”. It is generally a good idea to use a time-of-use meter.

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