About solar energy
Photovoltaic (PV) refers to the process of turning light into electricity.
- Individual PV cells are connected to panels. Solar panels convert sunlight into
direct current (DC) electricity.
- Inverter converts DC into alternating current (AC) for electricity in the home.
- The utility meter records the net amount of energy generated through the PV system.
When you're creating more electricity than you're using, your meter will spin
backwards and the excess electricity is sent to the electric grid. This helps to
offset the cost of your electricity usage at night or on cloudy days when your
system is not producing.
- 1 kilowatt (kW)of installed photovoltaic power will generate an average of 1,100
kilowatt hours (kWh) annually
- It takes 100 square feet of roof area for 1 kW of PV
- The average residential PV system in Eugene is 2.4 kW