Grid connection and bill credits
With a utility connection, surplus daytime energy can feed the grid in exchange for bill credits where available. At night or on cloudy days, you can draw from the grid as needed.
How Solar Works
Solar panels make DC power from sunlight. An inverter turns it into AC power for your building. From there you can use it right away, store it in a battery, send the extra to the utility grid, or do some of each.
How the power flows
From sunlight to your outlets in six steps.
1) Solar panels (PV)
Panels turn sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
2) Charge controller and battery (optional)
In systems with storage, DC can flow through a charge controller to batteries for later use.
3) Inverter (DC to AC)
The inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC), the kind your home or business runs on.
4) Electrical panel
AC power feeds your breakers to run appliances, lights, HVAC, EV charging, and more.
5) Utility grid (optional)
Extra power can go to the grid for credits where your utility offers them, and you draw from the grid when you need more.
6) Monitoring
An app or web portal tracks your production and usage, and we keep an eye on how the system is running.
Battery storage and backup
Batteries store excess solar to use after sunset and provide backup during outages. They’re optional on grid-tied systems and essential for off-grid sites.
Common system types
The right one depends on your goals, your site, and your utility’s program.
Grid-tied (no battery)
The lowest upfront cost. The grid works like a "virtual battery" for your extra power, which is best for bill savings where your utility offers credits for it.
Hybrid (grid-tied plus battery)
Adds backup power and lets you use more of your own solar. A common choice for outage backup and for getting the most out of time-of-use rates.
Off-Grid
For remote sites with no utility connection. Panels, batteries and loads have to be sized carefully so the system works year-round.
Not sure which approach fits? We’ll model your usage, roof, and goals, then compare options side by side.Get an instant quote.
Want to see your system’s layout and payback?
We’ll map your roof and size the system for you to look over.