How Does Solar Power Work for Your Home?

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how solar works

How solar works is simpler than you think. Once you’ve made up your mind to get off the utility company’s rate-hike roller coaster, switching to solar power is really pretty simple. You say “Yes!” to choosing solar power, and we’ll do the rest from home solar installation to maintenance and more.

But first you’re wondering, “how does solar power work?” Glad you asked! It’s a good place to start when you’re thinking about how to go solar, because even though Sunrun takes care of everything from permitting to installation and flipping the on-switch, we want you to feel comfortable every step of the way. Understanding how solar works can help.

How does home solar power work?

  1. Solar Panels

    Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as rays are hitting your roof, rain or shine, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. But in order to get the kind of power needed to turn the lights on in your living room, you’ll need an inverter.

  2. Inverter

    The inverter is a device that 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. Or, if you generate more solar energy than you use, it flows into the utility grid and while you rake in the solar credits.

  4. Sunrun Meter

    Your Sunrun meter monitors your system production and sends the information to Sunrun through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Sunrun if it detects problems or irregularities.

  5. Net Meter

    Speaking of solar credits, the net meter measures the amount of electricity you draw from the grid, and how much excess solar electricity you push into it. So when you use less electricity than you make, you get credit from the utility company. Sounds pretty sweet, right?

So now that you’re a solar energy expert, the next time somebody asks you, “how does solar power work?” you can tell them how simple it really is. And when you go solar with Sunrun, it couldn’t be easier to sit back and take control of your electricity bill. So what are you waiting for? Go solar today!

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