SOLAR

We are working hard to make America Energy Independent.

Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing solar panels on your home helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuel.

Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they emit harmful gases that are the primary cause of air pollution and global warming.

Solar’s footprint per unit of energy production is 95% lower than that of fossil fuel power plants. Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, they’re a finite resource. Limited availability creates a volatile market in which energy prices can skyrocket in a short period of time.

Solar energy is not only sustainable, it is renewable and this means that we will never run out of it. It is about as natural a source of power as it is possible to generate electricity. The creation of solar energy requires little maintenance.

How Solar Powered Homes Work

We all know that solar powered homes use solar panels, typically on the roof, to generate power using the sun. But how exactly does solar power turn into energy for your home? It’s a relatively simple process:

  1. The sun’s photons are collected by solar panels
  2. When photons hit the solar panels, it creates a direct current (DC) electric field
  3. An inverter converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) so that the power can be used by appliances and home systems
  4. The alternating current (AC) is routed through the home’s switchboard to supply electricity
  5. If there is excess electricity, it is exported to the electrical grid, or stored in batteries connected to the system for future use
  6. If there isn’t enough solar powered energy to power the home, electricity is imported from the electrical grid, or the solar system pulls stored power from batteries

The Power of Solar Energy

You may not pay much attention to the sun in your daily life, only considering it when it’s gotten too hot, or you need to protect yourself with sunscreen. But while the sun may not play a big part in your daily life today, it certainly has the power to fuel your lifestyle tomorrow. The sun has the potential to generate significant amounts of energy for your home — and the world.

  • Even cloudy locations typically receive more than two hours of sunlight per day: Cloudy locations receive an average of 2.5 hours per day of sunlight, while sunny locations receive an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day.
  • Solar panels can work even on a cloudy day: While sunny days will produce more solar energy, solar panels will continue to draw energy even when the weather is cloudy. Indirect, or diffused sunlight will still help to power your home. Cloudy days usually produce around 10% to 20% of the amount produced on sunny days.
  • Batteries can make solar energy systems a 24/7/365 power source: When combined with an integrated battery, solar energy systems can provide electricity even when it’s dark outside, potentially offering around the clock power for your home and providing for an off grid energy lifestyle.
  • The sun gives off thousands of watts of energy: Per each square meter of the Earth’s surface, the sun gives off about 1,000 watts of energy.
  • Solar power is a reliable energy system: When power plants and electrical grids fail, hundreds or thousands of homes can be left without power. In severe natural disasters, that could mean homes are left powerless for several days, even weeks. But solar power systems are distributed and modular, meaning they are spread out over a large geographical area and are composed of numerous solar arrays. If some of the system is damaged, the rest of the system can continue to generate power.