Solar energy is generated through a process of capturing the natural energy of sunlight and converting it into electricity. Using semiconductor-based technology, Photovoltaic cells (PV) directly convert light energy into electrical current. This clean energy reduces the amount of electricity you need to purchase from your utility company and can replace from 15 to 100 percent of your electrical needs. When SoL Energy designs your solar system you are able to choose Grid-Tied or Off Grid depending on your specific needs and location.

Grid-tied Spins Your Meter Backwards Solar panels connected to the utility electric grid are “net metered.” Solar panels provide electricity during the day for use in the home. Excess electricity spins your meter backwards and is sold back to the utility. At night, or when additional power is needed, the utility provides conventional electricity to the home.

Off Grid Independent Power PV modules feed energy into battery storage. Energy is available to user day and night.

A Typical Photovoltaic (PV) System
A utility-grid interconnected photovoltaic system typically has no battery backup. It is less expensive and operates at a higher efficiency than battery-based off-grid systems.

When the PV system is producing more power than is being consumed, excess power is fed into the utility grid and the meter spins backwards while the customer is building credit with the electric utility.

When energy consumption is greater than PV electricity produced, the meter turns in the conventional direction. The owner pays the net value of the meter at the end of the billing period. Any surplus in one billing period may be credited to the following billing period. This is referred to as “net metering”.