Solar panels absorb energy from the UV rays of the sun. They will generate electricity on cloudy days as well as sunny days. The solar panels create DC electricity, and the more panels wired together, the more electricity the roof will be able to generate.
The inverter is the brain of the solar installation. It takes the DC electricity from the solar panels and converts it to AC electricity, which is the type of electricity provided by the utility grid. Inverter technology is very efficient and is able to convert almost 100% of the energy passing through. It also makes adjustments based on temperature and sun intensity to maximize the wattage coming off the roof.
SolTerra’s solar installations will include a production (utility grade) meter and an online monitoring platform. In most cases you will be able to see solar production and house consumption. The production meter will log all solar energy production and WA state will write a check based off the reading of this meter.
The solar energy coming from the inverter will be fed directly into your electric panel. Your home will use the solar energy real time, and any excess will flow back onto the grid.
The current electric meter will become what is called a net-meter. The meter will run forwards like before when the home is consuming power from the grid, but the meter will run backwards anytime there is excess solar energy. The utility will bill for the “net” amount at the end of the billing period.
Solar panels produce electricity based on how many hours they spend in the sun. The PNW has some of the longest summer days in the country because of how far North we are from the Equator. Winters are shorter and don’t produce as well, but on a whole, the PNW receives 20% more sunlight per year than Germany, which is the world’s leader in solar energy production.
Solar panels operate most efficiently just below 80 degrees. A mild summer day in the PNW will produce more power than a hot summer day in Los Angeles because panels operate more efficiently under cooler conditions.
Solar loves the rain! It washes off the panels and keeps them free of dust and dirt that can build up over time.
