Colorado Solar Inc.High Quality Solar Panels and Complete Home Power Systems

Adding Solar Power to a Typical Home

A typical home with electric service from a utility needs no modification to the electrical wiring of the home. Solar panels, also called modules, can be mounted on the roof, or on a ground mount nearby. In the case of a roof mount there is normally a low profile system of special aluminum extrusions which hold the modules. The modules come with wires which plug together to make electrical circuits which lead to a disconnect at ground level. From here, the circuit goes through an inverter, which converts the electricity to standard AC voltage, usually 240V in the US. The output of the inverter is then connected to the electrical system of the home. Usually this is done by adding a 240V circuit to the existing load center - your normal service panel. The inverter is able to sense the utility electricity and synchronize it's output to it perfectly. The energy from the solar panels is therefore mixed together with the utility electricity. If the solar system is producing more energy than you are using, it flows to the grid, and is used by your neighbors. "Net Metering", if offered by your utility, means you receive credit for each kWh at the retail price. The meter "spins backwards" and your electric bill is reduced.

In order to obtain net metering from your utility, there are usually some agreements to sign with them.  Many utilities offer significant rebates to encourage solar electricity.  In sunny areas, the production from the solar electric systems can help reduce peak loads in the summer.  In Colorado, the largest utilities are required to offer a rebate.  There is an additional payment available for a "Renewable Energy Credit", or REC, which allows the utility to count your solar generating system towards their total renewable generating capacity.