How Solar Works on Your Home When people refer to solar electricity, most often they are referring to a “grid-tied” system, which means it is tied in where your home connects to your utility electrical grid. The wonder of these systems is that the electrical “grid” of your existing electric utility uses the power you generate to supply other house/business with power. The utility will buy power from you at a time when our "Smart Meter Rates" are at the highest rate. When the sun is out, that is when Horizon will charge you peak rates, so the net effect will be that Horizon is receiving power from us and giving to industry during daylight hours. Hence less power plants are required. The most common system is mounted directly onto your roof, but if you do not have enough roof space, there are a variety of other ways to install a system utilizing the land (OPA does not pay the same amount for these) or other structures on your property. Solar panels are made up of crystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into DC (direct current) power. However, your home runs on AC power, so the DC current from the solar panels is sent to an inverter, where it is converted into AC (alternating current) power. AC power travels from the inverter to the electrical panel, or breaker box, as it is commonly referred to. Your home  is interconnected with the utility grid, and all electricity flows automatically. On sunny days, you will be feeding the grid and your pocket book. About Types of Solar Electric Systems There are three general types of Solar Electric Systems: The "grid-tie*", "grid-tie with battery back-up" and "stand-alone" systems. The only kind that applies to the Fit and micro fit is the "grid-tie*". Grid-Tied Solar Electric Systems Grid-Tied solar electric systems are the most efficient type of system and the least costly, making them the most common. A standard grid-tied solar system does not have battery backup. The system consists of photovoltaic solar modules and an inverter. The modules, which can be mounted either to an existing roof or on a ground-mounted structure, convert the sun’s energy into direct current (DC) power. The Inverter takes the DC power from the modules and converts it to high quality alternating current (AC) electricity, which is compatible with your home and the utility. The inverter is then tied into your electrical breaker panel allowing you to use the sun’s energy to power your home or business. Grid-tied systems must be connected to the utility to function; therefore they do not operate during a utility power outage. Find out how it works. ABOUT US SERVICES CONTACT US COPYRIGHT How Solar Works Powering Your Home Why Solar? Fit Micro-Fit Live Stats Telephone:              905-641-7566 Email:  emartens@dualpower.com Fax:                         905-641-1280 Dualpower © Copyright 2012 All RIghts Reserved.