What We Learned about Solar Panels

 

How a solar panel works

·        Sun excites electrons photovotaic cells

·        Electric current go into inverter as direct current

·        Inverter changes direct current to alternating current

·        The alternate current flows into house

·        If the electricity is not used, it flows back through the meter and back to PG&E

Batteries

·        Store charge in batteries

·        Batteries are usually 88%-90% efficiency

·        Batteries are not good for environment

·        Batteries last about 10 yrs.

PG&E

·        If heavy user, PG&E will charge more every kilowatt hr.

·        If not heavy user solar panels may not be the best option financially

·        During day, it is peak time because businesses are using power electricity is more expensive

·        At night you pay less for power; it is off peak

Average Solar System for House

·        5.8 kw

·        35 Sharp NE 165 watts solar modules (actual installed may very)

·        $8-9 per w, with discount $6-7 per w