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How Solar Energy Works

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5 views

How Solar Energy Works

Uploaded by

joxar87155
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HOW SOLAR ENERGY WORKS

1 2
WHEN SUNLIGHT HITS THE SOLAR PANELS,
BUILT-IN INVERTERS CONVERT DC POWER
ELECTRONS INSIDE CAPTURE ENERGY, CREATING
INTO ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC).
ELECTRICAL OR DIRECT CURRENT (DC).
Solar panels are part of a solar power system AC is used in homes and businesses to
that’s made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells and power lights, electronics and appliances.
other components to generate electrical power The converted power is used locally and
from the sun. Solar panels can be mounted any excess power is sent to the power
on rooftops or on the ground to maximize sun company electric grid.
exposure and generate the most power.

3
A METER RECORDS THE
AMOUNT OF SOLAR
ENERGY GENERATED

A meter records the


amount of solar energy
generated. When
connected to a home
or business’s main
electrical panel, the 1
solar energy generated YOUR
reduces the electricity POWER

purchased from the


power company.
2 3 4 5 EXTRA
POWER
INVERTER METER

4 BI-DIRECTIONAL METERING

The local power company may install


a bi-directional meter that records
5 THE LOCAL POWER COMPANY PROVIDES
ADDITIONAL POWER

When the amount of solar energy


generated isn’t enough to meet a
the amount of energy the customer customer’s power needs, the local power
purchases and the excess power sent company provides additional power. This
back to the grid. happens when solar production is low
because of the sun’s position, the season,
or evening hours when solar energy isn’t
generated

The Green Power Providers program provides an alternative choice for customers to receive a credit for every kWh
of energy generated, including the excess energy they don’t use. Contact your local power company for details.

TVA.gov/Energy/Valley-Renewable-Energy | 866-673-4340

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