How do solar panels work?

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The electricity that's produced by your panels is called direct current (DC). DC electricity can't be used by your home so we use a device called an inverter to change it to alternating current (AC). 🎸

After the energy is converted from DC to AC, it's ready to be used in your home. Here's what happens next:

Electrical panel: The AC electricity is sent to your home's electrical panel (also called a breaker box). This panel distributes the electricity to different parts of your home, powering lights, appliances, and other devices.

Energy usage: The electricity flows through the wiring in your home to power things like your refrigerator, TV, and computer – just like the electricity you get from the grid.

Storing surplus: If your solar panels generate more electricity than your home needs, the extra energy can be stored in your battery to supply your home in the evening when rates are most expensive, at night when your panels are no longer producing, or during a power outage.

New state rebates and incentives offer a chance to secure low-cost or even no-cost solar and battery systems. In California, for example, eligible homeowners can receive a free system through the SGIP program.