A home solar panel array is made up of components that all work together to convert solar energy 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 solar 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 your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your solar panels generate more solar power 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. Sunrun meter
Your Sunrun meter monitors your solar panels and overall system production, sending the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Sunrun if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar panels and entire system are in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.

5. Utility meter
When your solar panels produce 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 panels 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.

Our solar panels and all of our solar equipment is backed by factory warranties. On top of that, our monthly solar panel lease plan and prepaid solar panel plan (also known as a solar PPA) come with 24/7 proactive monitoring and free maintenance. If we detect that your rooftop solar panels or solar battery aren't performing optimally, we'll dispatch a specialist to repair your solar panels, ensuring they're back to full capacity without any effort on your part. This benefit distinguishes Sunrun from other companies offering solar panels and solar storage.

Once approved for a solar installation, your property will undergo a site assessment, and an expert technician will schedule a visit with you to confirm the design of your solar panels and full solar energy system.

After that, our Solar Design Experts will make any necessary adjustments to the design of your solar panels and get your final approval. Once it’s approved, we’ll submit your design to the city for permitting, which can take up to eight weeks. From there, either Sunrun or one of our local certified partners will install your solar panels. We only partner with top-rated solar installers, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll have the highest quality solar installation available.

When your installation is finished, the city or county will perform a final inspection of your system. Once it’s approved, it’ll be connected to the grid, and we’ll submit your documents to the utility company. After your utility company grants Permission to Operate (PTO), you’ll be all set to start powering your home with the sun.