Slide your mouse over the solar home and learn how solar electricity works!

History of Solar
The science of photovoltaics began in 1838 with a pair of French physicists working on the generation of electricity through chemical reactions. The physicists noticed that exposing the apparatus to sunlight increased the output of electrical energy. By 1954, Bell Laboratories announced the developments that finally brought photovoltaics out of the lab and into the realm of practical application, the single-crystal silicon cell.

How Solar Electricity Works
1. Solar panels collect the sun's energy and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.  The number of panels you need is determined by your electricity needs. 

2.  An inverter converts the electricity from DC to alternating current (AC) electricity for use in your home.

3.  A bi-directional electric meter displays net power usage. When you generate more than you use, your meter spins backwards, lowering your electricity bill.  When you generate less, it spins slowly forward.

4.  You now produce your own electricity to be used throughout the home. Since there are no moving parts, you don't have to worry about maintenance.  You can track your system's production with the REC Solar Wireless Display conveniently from inside your home.

5.  All excess electricity generated is stored in the utility grid for future use.

Have a question about solar?  Ask one of our solar pros! click here.