Solar Photovoltaic
By Heather Koenig
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/7/2/24723851/4917862.jpg?465)
Solar Photovoltaics is a solar energy technology that converts solar radiation into electricity by using the unique properties of semiconductors. It is an economically and environmentally friendly way to produce electricity.
In this photo (Provided by renewable-Solarenergy.com), you can see the Photovoltaic process. Solar PV modules are mounted, generally facing south for the best exposure to the sun. The panels produce PV electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC). The DC current then passes through an inverter, where it is converted into Alternating Current (AC), which is either used in your home or passed back to the grid. This is the most common type of installation in the State of Florida.
Your meter measures the amount of electricity entering the home or leaving the home. When you are producing more electricity than your home is using (like on a sunny day), electricity will be fed to the grid. Essentially, the grid is your "battery" storage for your system. When this happens, your meter will actually show negative amounts of electricity. At night, when your system is not producing electricity, you receive electricity from the grid.
In Florida, there is a law requiring net metering. This means that whatever price you pay to buy the electricity from the utility is the same price they pay you (or credit your bill) for the electricity that you send back to the grid. Some restrictions apply if you are producing an excess of electricity.
In this photo (Provided by renewable-Solarenergy.com), you can see the Photovoltaic process. Solar PV modules are mounted, generally facing south for the best exposure to the sun. The panels produce PV electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC). The DC current then passes through an inverter, where it is converted into Alternating Current (AC), which is either used in your home or passed back to the grid. This is the most common type of installation in the State of Florida.
Your meter measures the amount of electricity entering the home or leaving the home. When you are producing more electricity than your home is using (like on a sunny day), electricity will be fed to the grid. Essentially, the grid is your "battery" storage for your system. When this happens, your meter will actually show negative amounts of electricity. At night, when your system is not producing electricity, you receive electricity from the grid.
In Florida, there is a law requiring net metering. This means that whatever price you pay to buy the electricity from the utility is the same price they pay you (or credit your bill) for the electricity that you send back to the grid. Some restrictions apply if you are producing an excess of electricity.
Below are before/after photos of a solar photovoltaic project. This involved 3 different roofs; the 2nd story metal roof, the 3rd story metal roof, and the shingle roof of the service building .
BEFORE. The service building roof did have the rails already attached in this photo.
AFTER.