How Solar Works

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About 46% of the sun that hits the earth as visible light can be harvested as pure energy. A 10’ by 10’ area gets approximately 15,000 kWh per year in the Chicago area.

Solar modules capture the solar rays and through the photovoltaic affect turn it into Direct Current (DC). Today’s solar modules are between 10% to 22% efficient, depending on the technology, and that same 10’ by 10’ area will produce about 3,000 kWh per year.
The inverter converts Direct Current into Alternating Current (AC). Today’s systems produce between a .77 to .82 efficiency conversion coefficient.
Alternating current is connected to your load center, also known as breaker panel.
Any electricity produced is automatically distributed by the load center to the household. This in fact lowers your consumption of electricity from your utility company.
Any excess electricity is fed into the grid through the utility meter where it is credited against future usage. The utility meter keeps track of all kWh consumed and not consumed as a result of the PV system, a process called net metering. As a result, you will see how many kWh the your solar PV has refrained you from purchasing from the utility company.