Education

How Solar Works

Solar panel systems are made up of three key components: solar panels to capture sunlight and generate electricity, inverters to convert that electricity into a form your home can use, and racking systems to securely mount the panels on your roof. Most solar setups also include an app that allows you to monitor your system’s performance, so you can track its efficiency and ensure everything is running smoothly.

That’s it! Pretty straightforward.

One of the best things about solar energy is that it requires very little maintenance. Unlike a car, which has moving parts that need frequent servicing, solar panels are stationary. Once installed, they do their job with minimal upkeep—just "set it and forget it."

How Each Component Works

Solar Panels

Sunlight carries a huge amount of energy. When it strikes certain materials, it can cause electrons within those materials to move. This phenomenon, called the photovoltaic effect, was first understood by Einstein (which even earned him a Nobel Prize), and scientists began using it to generate electricity in the 1950s.

Today’s solar panels consist of multiple small silicon solar cells, specially designed to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity as efficiently as possible. These cells are wired together to channel the flow of electrons, generating usable power.

Inverters

The electricity produced by solar panels is direct current (DC), but the appliances in your home use alternating current (AC). This means the electricity needs to be converted before it can power your lights, appliances, and devices.

That’s where inverters come in. There are two main types:

Microinverters - Installed behind each solar panel, converting electricity on a panel-by-panel basis.

String Inverters - Collect the DC electricity from all panels and convert it in a single unit, typically mounted on the side of your house.

Racking Systems

Racking and mounting systems are what hold solar panels securely to your roof. They are designed to withstand extreme weather, including hurricane-force winds, and are strong enough to support weight if necessary. Modern racking systems are sleek, low-profile, and also help with wire management to keep the installation looking clean. The equipment we use is

certified leak-proof to ensure long-term durability and protection for your roof.

Your Solar App

Your solar app gives you full visibility into your system’s performance, allowing you to track when and how much electricity your panels are generating. If you have additional smart home energy products—like an EV charger or home battery storage —they may integrate with the app as well. Otherwise, its primary function is to let you monitor solar production in real time.