Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Is a Solar System Right for You?

By purchasing a phovoltaic solar system to produce electricity, homeowners are joining millions of like-minded energy-conscious people around the globe. Solar systems provide reliable, renewable energy from the sun. Thanks to advancements in research and production, in addition to substancial government rebates, photovoltaic solar systems are affordable.

Solar systems are affordable thanks to a recent addition to the electricity grid: net metering. When your solar system generates more electricity than you use, your home releases the electricity onto the grid, causing the meter to spin backwards. If you put more electricity onto the electricity grid than you consume, then you are eligible to receive a check from the utility company.

But before investing in a solar system, it is important to understand how photovoltaic solar cells work. When sunlight strikes a photovoltaic cell, the cell releases electrons (creating electricity). The electricity generated is direct current, or the flow of electricity in one direction. Alternating current, or the flow of electricity that consistently changes direction, is the form of electricity used in a home. An inverter is required to convert electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The electricity is then available for use in a home or business.

Solar systems only work when the sun is out. So they work in the winter and even on cloudy days. Solar systems require a large initial investment, but with the available government rebates and net metering, a solar system will pay for itself within 10 years. Remember, after the initial investment of a solar system, you can stop thinking about the electricity bill. Instead, you will be excited to see how much you make every month!
Is a Solar System Right for You?

Rich Hessler
Free Solar Estimates
(949) 208-0221

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