PV Solar Panels
Solar collectors (usually referred to as “solar panels”) are square panels that receive the sun’s rays and produce power in the form of DC voltage, which is then converted into AC voltage. Photovoltaic (energy from the sun) energy is based on the concept of these solar panels. They may be set up on a roof or beside a complex on a “field mount” connected to the home or complex by cable. Roof installation is safe and does not affect the warranty of the roof. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Inverter
The solar system produces energy in the form of DC (direct current). In order to fit electricity standards, that voltage needs to be inverted into AC (alternating current) voltage. The solar system’s inverter converts the DC voltage that the solar panels produce into AC voltage. Eshone Electric uses the most reliable inverter, the SMA Sunny Boy. The Sunny Boy Inverter is housed in a watertight enclosure and can operate in extreme conditions.

Disconnect
The disconnect panel has the capability to shut off the solar power current if needed. Similar to a light switch, one must turn it off in order to perform certain actions or incase there is an emergency. The disconnect is a feature that comes with every system and ensures the safety of personnel, during maintenance, for example.

Main Net Meter
The amount of energy used or supplied by companies or homeowners who installed a PV Solar Power System is measured by a net meter, which is a part of the PV system install. It measure the net amount of energy past from the household to the grid or from the grid to the household. The customer receives credit for the energy the system produced and was not utilized by the house. The meter is similar to the electricity meter, but it can measure current going both directions.

For example: If the customer’s system produces 100 Kw/h per month, but it uses 90 Kw/h for that month, the meter spins back for those 10 unused Kw/h for that month. Those 10 unused Kw/h do not go to waste, they go back to the grid after they run through the meter. Once they go back to the grid, the customer is supplying energy for the neighborhood, which the state govt. pays the owner for with electricity credit. In California, there is a state government incentive that provides up to a 30% rebate on your total installation costs.

After installation of a solar energy system is complete, people often purchase an online energy monitor, which is used to view energy production and consumption information, allowing them to easily manage energy efficiency. Once property owners know when throughout the day their energy consumption peaks, they can maintain more control over their usage. For example, if you know that during the sunny morning/noon hours you are generating free energy with your solar energy system, you might opt to run all of your high-energy cost appliances at that time instead of waiting until nighttime, when you would need energy from your local utility.