How does a home solar system work? #
A home solar system is made up of components that all work together to convert the power of sunlight into usable energy for your lights, appliances and devices.
1. Solar panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as the sun ray’s are making contact with your roof, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still expect your panels to produce 10% to 25% of their normal output. But your electricity isn’t ready just yet. You’ll need an inverter to get the kind of power you need to turn the lights on.
2. Inverter
The inverter takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.
3. Main electric service panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into to your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your panels generate more solar energy than you use, the excess power will flow to the utility grid. Even better? You might even earn energy credits from your local utility for the power you send.
4. Off Grid Energy meter
Your Off Grid Energy meter monitors your system production and sends the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Off Grid Energy if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar system is in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.
5. Utility meter
When your system produces more than you need, the excess energy is sold back to your utility and credited to your monthly electric bill. When you need more energy than your solar system can produce, your home will automatically pull the energy from your utility. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.
What is installed as a part of a solar system? #
Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.
1) Solar Panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).
2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.
3) Off Grid Energy Meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Off Grid Energy meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.
There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.
4) Main Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, “Fuse Box.”
5) Utility Meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter, and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.
Can I add more panels to my system? #
We aren’t able to add solar panels to existing home solar systems. However, if you qualify, Off Grid Energy can add a second home solar system under a second agreement. If you’re interested, please talk to a solar advisor or Customer Care.
Can I add Off Grid Energy Battery Storage to my solar system? #
At this time, Off Grid Energy Battery Storage is only available to new Off Grid Energy customers. We can’t install Off Grid Energy Battery Storage if you already have an existing solar installation or if it isn’t offered in your area.
If you’re still interested in Off Grid Energy Battery Storage, please let us know. You’ll be the first to know when we’ve come up with a solution. We’re hard at work on optimizing our technology to provide a better customer experience.
