How Solar Works

HOW SOLAR WORKS
A walk in the park on a sunny day is a great way to energize your mood, but how does sunlight energize your home or business? Standard appliances use alternating current power, otherwise known as AC, but that isn’t the type of energy produced naturally by the sun. You need a solar system to effectively convert sunlight into usable power, Phoenix energy takes care of your entire solar project from start to finish.

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY CAN YOU MAKE?
One common misconception about solar energy is that it creates much less electricity than your standard electric company, and supplies can dwindle to nothing during overcast weather. This was once a serious concern, but solar technology has advanced to the point that you don’t have to worry about blackouts when storms brew. In fact, many solar customers produce more electricity than they need to power their homes or businesses.

AN ENERGY SURPLUS?
Yes, you can create a surplus of energy when you connect your property into a solar power grid. This is one of the best reasons to go solar because you can use that extra energy to save money. Your home turns natural sunlight into AC electricity throughout the day, and your demands for energy during the daylight hours are met instantly from that supply. If you produce more than you consume during the day, the excess goes into the solar grid.

You may use some of this excess energy during the night when your solar panels aren’t actively collecting those powerful photons. The rest is used to help other consumers on the grid power their homes and businesses. Your meter runs backward to account for that excess, lowering your bill immediately.

This process is known as net metering. While solar is often less expensive than electricity, this process can make it even more affordable. In some cases, enough excess power is created to eliminate a consumer’s bill altogether. This is more likely to happen if you live in an area with a lot of sunlight year round or if you actively conserve electricity.