How solar panels actually work
From sunlight hitting your roof to power running your home — here's what's actually happening, in plain terms.
Panels capture sunlight
Each panel is made of silicon solar cells. When sunlight hits them, it knocks electrons loose and generates direct current (DC) electricity — this is called the photovoltaic effect.
Inverters convert DC to AC
Your home runs on alternating current (AC), not DC, so an inverter converts the power your panels produce into electricity your appliances can actually use. We install two types depending on your roof: Enphase microinverters (one per panel) or a Tesla string inverter system.
Power runs your home first
Solar electricity is used in your house in real time — lights, appliances, HVAC — before anything else happens to it. Whatever your system produces, your home draws from it first.
Extra power goes to a battery or the grid
If you produce more than you're using, the excess either charges a home battery (if you have one) or exports to the utility grid. Without a battery, exported power typically earns bill credit through your utility's net metering program.
You monitor it from your phone
Every system we install comes with an app — Enphase or Tesla — so you can see real-time production, historical usage, and battery status from anywhere.
Microinverters vs. string inverters
This is the biggest technical decision in a solar install, and it's why we offer two paths:
Enphase microinverters
- Each panel operates independently — shading or a fault on one panel doesn't drag down the rest
- Per-panel production monitoring
- Ideal for roofs with multiple angles, chimneys, or partial shade
Tesla string system
- Simpler system with fewer components on the roof
- Pairs directly with Tesla Powerwall 3 for battery backup
- Great value on straightforward, unshaded roof layouts
Related guides
See what solar looks like for your home
Enter your zip code and average electric bill for a free, no-obligation estimate in under a minute.
Get My Free Estimate →