how solar works

From the sun to your home

Once your solar panels are installed, they begin to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

However, your household appliances can't use DC power. So your microinverters—installed on the back of each panel—take the direct current and convert it into alternating current (or AC) power, which can be used in your home.

From there, the electricity flows to your net meter, which measures whether you are consuming or producing electricity. Finally, it moves to your breaker box and into your appliances and lights.

  • 1. Collect sun light
  • 2. Convert power into
    usable electricity
  • 3. Electricity flows to net meter
  • 4. Consume electricity produced by the sun

Solar equipment

Your solar power system is comprised of four main pieces of equipment: the panels, the microinverters, wiring, and a net meter. Mouseover the home below to find out what each piece does and how it works.

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1

Solar panels

Solar cells are combined into panels (sometimes called modules), which include a frame and electrical connections. These panels are what are installed on your roof.

2

Microinverters

Microinverters—installed on the back of each panel—take the DC power generated by your panels and convert it into alternating current (or AC) power, which can be used in your home.

3

Net meter

A net meter spins both backward and forward—measuring the electricity you're buying as well as the excess electricity your panels are producing and sending back to the grid.

4

Wiring

To prevent inefficient transfer of power, we select wires and cables that can handle the output from your system. We run new wiring from your panels to your net meter; but don't worry, we'll make sure they look as good as the rest of your system.

Innovative technology and high-quality products

Utilizing the latest, commercial-grade equipment from industry leaders Zep Solar and Enphase, our systems are built to perform and to last. Each component works together to provide a solution that brings both satisfaction and savings.

Panels

Our solar panels are among the most durable and cost effective in the industry. They offer the added value of a sleek, seamless appearance as well as auto grounding and theft resistance.

Racking

Zep Solar's patented auto-grounding, drop-in mounting solution greatly reduces installation time and material waste while enhancing the structural properties of solar arrays. The Zep System requires no rails, making it easier to install.

Microinverters

A traditional system uses one inverter to transform solar-generated DC power into AC power. At Vivint Solar, we use Enphase Energy microinverters. This means that a smaller, more efficient inverter is attached to the back of each panel, enabling your system to create more power, more quickly.