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Solar Basics
Fact 1: Did you know that enough sunlight falls on our planet’s surface each minute to meet all of the world’s needs for one year?
Fact 2: To harness the power of the sun, the first solar cell was developed in 1954 and their use and efficiency has increased dramatically over the last fifty years.
Fact 3: Solar power is most abundant and free of pollution of all know energy sources and we have only begun to scratch the surface as to the potential of its use.
Questions: Does it work in the Northwest?
YES!! The one country in the world that utilizes the most solar energy in the world is Germany and it has a very similar climate to the Pacific Northwest, as a matter of fact, they get
10% more rain than the Seattle area.
Question: How does it work?
The sun’s rays, even on overcast days are absorbed by the silicone material in the solar panels. This energy activates electrons allowing them to move about freely---creating the potential
of Direct Current (DC) electricity.
The Inverter and/or micro-inverter creates the Direct Current
(DC) created by the solar panel and inverts it to Alternating Current (AC) power which can be used throughout your home or business.
The Solar photovoltaic (PV) system is connected to your homes
electrical panel box via a Production or "Green Meter".
The green meter is a production meter (meaning it only meters
production and not consumption). When you produce electricity,
then your home will consume the green energy and supplement the
power requirement from the Grid (Local Utility), if needed.
Conversely, if you are consuming less than you produce, then
your excess power will go to the Grid. Supplying power to
the grid will result in your local utility meter spinning in the
opposite direction. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SOLAR HOT WATER CLICK HERE
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