Solar Electric is also commonly known as Photovoltaics (PV).

This technology is used to generate electricity. The solar PV panels convert sunlight directly into clean, pollution-free electricity. By installing a solar electric system on your home you can eliminate or significantly reduce your electric utility bill.

THE BASICS OF SOLAR ELECTRIC

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. The system consists of three primary units:

• Solar PV Panels – Generate DC electricity
• Inverter – Converts the DC to standard AC electricity that is compatible with the electrical grid and capable of powering electrical devices.
• Utility Meter – Tracks the solar electricity that your system produces and feeds to the utility grid, thereby keeping track of your credit from the utility.

GRID-TIED vs OFF-GRID

A grid-tied solar electric system can generate power on-site to supply a home or business that is connected to the utility grid and offset the usage from the utility company. Grid-tied systems are the most common types of solar systems.

An off-grid or stand-alone PV solar system with a battery back-up can supply power to a remote home or area that would otherwise not have access to electricity.

A typical Solar Gain stand-alone power system includes solar electric modules, safety switchgear, batteries and a DC to AC inverter. Solar electric photovoltaic (PV) modules convert sunlight directly into electricity and the inverter conditions that electricity for use by conventional AC appliances and lighting.

SYSTEM RELIABILITY

With no moving parts, Solar Gain PV power systems utilize ’solid-state’ technology and are extremely reliable. The solar electric modules have a 40-year design-life and the BP PV modules in our systems are covered by a 25-year warranty. Solar Gain systems are easily expandable should meet your needs for power increase in the future.

LIFE-CYCLE COST

Solar Gain power systems are less expensive to own and operate than an engine generator. While the ‘upfront’ cost of an engine generator is less than a solar electric power system, over the life of the engine generator, the cost of fuel, maintenance, and replacement parts exceed the cost of a solar electric system.