Solar 101

Taking the guesswork out of solar.

How Solar Energy Works 

Sunlight can be changed directly into electricity using solar cells. Solar cells are made from silicon or other semiconductors and are manufactured in thin film layers. When sunlight strikes a solar cell, the photoelectric effect causes the electrons in the semiconductor to become energized therefore generating electric current. Solar cells, also called photovoltaic (PV) cells, are arranged together in a solar panel. These panels are grouped together to form an array. The array is connected to an inverter which converts the Direct Current (DC) of the PV modules to Alternating Current (AC). The electrical energy from the array can then be directly used to power homes or businesses. 

Connecting To The Grid

There are two primary photovoltaic markets, off-grid systems and grid-connected systems. Off-grid systems are used where utility-provided power is not available and bringing it to the building would be too costly. Grid-connected photovoltaic systems are used when a facility cannot compete directly with the cost of utility-produced power. If the photovoltaic system provides more power than the customer uses, excess electricity is fed back into the grid and the utility’s electric meter counts backwards. This is referred to as “net metering”.  SoCore Energy’s photovoltaic systems are interconnected to the electric grid. This gives our customers constant access to an energy source, be it from the solar system during the day, the electric grid over night, or a combination of both.

SoCore Energy's Approach
SoCore Energy, with photovoltaic solar panels, uses a modular system approach to provide our customers with energy production. SoCore Energy’s solar solution includes a system that is preassembled and more flexible than any other competitor offering on the market. This makes installation more efficient and maintenance easier than ever.  

Want to lean more about the world of solar energy?

There are an incredible amount of resources to help even the biggest solar novice learn and understand how solar energy works. We have identified some of the most helpful and informative solar energy websites for you:
 
US Department of Energy: Clean Energy Technology
http://www.eere.energy.gov  
 
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
http://www.nrel.gov/learning/re_solar.html

Solarbuzz - Portal to the World of Solar Energy
http://www.solarbuzz.com/

Greentech Media - Solar
http://www.greentechmedia.com/channel/solar/