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  Solar electric (photovoltaic, PV) systems can be connected solely to a utility's electricity grid, to the grid with a battery storage backup, or only to storage batteries. Our most common installations are connected only to the grid; with this setup, the home still uses a utility's electricity when the PV system under produces, and sells extra electricity back to the utility when too much is produced. A grid tie with battery backup allows for a small supply of stored electricity to be used during utility power outages. A strict battery storage system is typically only used when a rural dwelling is unable to receive electricity from a utility. Solar electric modules are installed as arrays of various sizes. The modules are typically fastened flush to a roof with aluminum mounting hardware. We also mount them to the ground either in a fixed position, or with one-axis, or two-axis solar tracking. Solar electric modules convert the sun's radiant energy into useable electricity. Modules can be connected in series or in parallel, and provide a supply of DC (direct current) power. The DC power from the modules is routed to an inverter, which converts the DC signal to an AC (alternating current) signal. The resulting AC electricity is in the same form that utility companies provide, and that you use in your home.   |