Solar 101

How Does Solar Energy Work?
When sunlight hits your roof panels, they make DC (direct current) electricity, which flows one way. Your building needs AC (alternating current), which reverses direction. A solar inverter, installed with the panels, converts the DC into usable AC power.

Solar Works Everywhere
The U.S. has huge solar potential. One hour of midday summer sun can equal the nation’s yearly electricity use. Most states get good sun; even the Pacific Northwest and Alaska can save money and have similar solar levels to countries like Germany. Solar is renewable and abundant. As costs fall, more businesses choose solar — there are now over a million installations nationwide.

Environmental
Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power cuts CO2 and other harmful pollutants like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, and it also lowers water use.