About Solar Energy

Source: PG&E

Photovoltaic (PV) is the process of turning light into electricity. It’s important to understand how PV systems work and how to make them work for you. Gaining insight on PV technologies, contractors, related building codes, "payback" and costs (including) options to help you finance your project is essential.

Below is a brief description of how PV systems capture energy from the sun and convert it into electric energy:

1. The sun is an extremely powerful energy source. It can be harnessed to provide heat, light, and electricity.
2. PV systems are the most widely used means of generating electricity from solar energy. A PV system uses panels (or cells) of semiconductor material similar to what’s used in computer chips to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The panels are combined into modules and placed into arrays.
3. PV arrays can measure up to several meters on a side. These flat-plate PV arrays can be mounted flat or at a fixed angle. Some are mounted on a tracking device that follows the sun, allowing them to capture as much sunlight as possible. Rooftop mounting is most common for PV systems, but they can also be placed on the ground. Other options include covered parking areas, window awnings and roofed patios.
4. Inverters connected to the modules change the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the PV system into alternating current (AC) electricity to power your electrical appliances and to be compatible with the electric grid. PV systems can be connected to the electric grid.
5. Electric grid
6. PV systems can "spin" the electric meter backwards (net metering) by providing credit for the energy produced against charges for energy used. Systems connected to the grid are referred to as "interconnected."