For Consumers
Each PV shingle being installed on this roof will produce 17 watts under full sun, for a total system size of 1.2 kW. The shingles mount directly on to the roof structure and take the place of asphalt shingles. The whole PV system is connected to the utility grid through an inverter and produces electricity on customer's side of the meter.
Solar-electricity, or photovoltaics (PV) converts sunlight directly into electricity. You may be more familiar with PV cells as solar cells that power watches and calculators. But PV can do much more. It can provide electricity for residential and commercial buildings, including power for lights and air conditioning. PV can also be a convenient source of power for pumping water, electrifying fences, or aerating ponds in remote applications.
As an energy-conscious consumer, you want to do all you can to use energy efficiently and add more clean, renewable energy to your life. This section contains information and analysis tools to help you evaluate your options and make an informed decision. If you've already decided to install solar electric panels (also called photovoltaic or PV panels) on your roof, you've given it careful thought and considered all the benefits of using a reliable, abundant, and environmentally smart source of energy — the sun. If you haven't decided yet, we hope the information in these pages will help you make a decision about purchasing PV panels for your home or business.
How does it work?
Here you can view entertaining and educational presentations about how solar energy is produced.
How do I get and use it?
If you're interested in putting renewable energy to work in your home or office and want to know more about solar and other renewable technologies, see So You Want to Put PV on Your Roof!
Why is solar electricity important?
In addition, if you would like to read about the environmental, socio-economic, and security impacts of PV and other solar energy technologies on the world we live in, please see our "Why PV is Important" section.
What kind of impact am I making on the environment?
We compiled several useful "calculators" and decision-making tools so you can evaluate how much energy you consume and its environmental impacts. Some good energy-saving tips are also included with these decision-making tools.