Solar, explained simply.
No jargon. No diagrams you need an engineering degree to understand. Here's how residential solar actually works — for homeowners.
The basics, step by step
How solar panels create power
Solar panels capture sunlight and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity using photovoltaic cells.
How the inverter works
An inverter converts the DC electricity from the panels into alternating current (AC) — the type your home uses.
How solar powers the home
AC power flows from the inverter into your electrical panel and powers your lights, appliances, and outlets.
What happens at night
Your panels don't produce power at night, so your home draws electricity from the grid (or a battery if installed).
What happens on cloudy days
Panels still produce power on cloudy days — just at reduced output. System design accounts for variable weather.
How net metering may work
When your system produces more than you use, the extra power may be sent back to the grid for utility credits (where available).
Why system design matters
A good design matches your usage, roof orientation, shading, and local utility — that's where real savings come from.
Using more than you produce
If your home uses more electricity than your system generates, the difference comes from the grid as usual.
See if solar makes sense for your home
A free, personalized review uses your real bill and home details — not generic estimates.
See If Solar Works for My HomeNo pressure. No obligation. Just a free savings review.