How Does Solar Energy Work?

A grid-tie solar electric system is comprised of two major components: photovoltaic panels (PV) and DC-AC inverters. While there is certainly some high technology in the design and manufacture of solar electric systems, the process of converting sunlight to electricity is fairly simple: sunlight strikes specially treated silicon panels (so-called photovoltaic or PV panels) creating an electron flow.

This flow passes through the inverter which "inverts" the DC power from the panels to AC and sends it out to the utility grid. These systems are referred to as "grid-tie" systems because the building remains attached to the electric utility grid. Unlike "off-grid" systems, there are no batteries. A grid-tie solar electric system is designed to supplement the power used from the electric utility.

See Also: View successful applications of solar energy for Oregon businesses like yours in our portfolio of featured projects.