Solar panels collect clean renewable energy in the form ofsunlight and convert that light into electricity which can then be used toprovide power for electrical loads. Solar panels are comprised of severalindividual solar cells which are themselves composed of layers of silicon,phosphorous (which provides the negative charge), and boron (which provides thepositive charge). Solar panels absorb the photons and in doing so initiate anelectric current. The resulting energy generated from photons striking thesurface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out of their atomicorbits and released into the electric field generated by the solar cells whichthen pull these free electrons into a directional current. This entire processis known as the Photovoltaic Effect. An average home has more than enough roofarea for the necessary number of solar panels to produce enough solarelectricrity to supply all of its power needs excess electricity generated goesonto the main power grid, paying off in electricity use at night.

       In a well-balanced grid-connected configuration, a solar arraygenerates power during the day that is then used in the home at night. Netmetering programs allow solar generator owners to get paid if their systemproduces more power than what is needed in the home. In off-grid solarapplications, a battery bank, solar charge controller, and in mostcases, an inverter are necessary components. The solar array sendsdirect current (DC) electricity through the solar panel controller to thebattery bank. The power is then drawn from the battery bank to the inverter,which converts the DC current into alternating current (AC) that can be usedfor non-DC appliances. Assisted by an inverter, solar panel arrays can be sizedto meet the most demanding electrical load requirements. The AC current can beused to power loads in homes or commercial buildings, recreational vehicles andboats, remote cabins, cottages, or homes, remote traffic controls,telecommunications equipment, oil and gas flow monitoring, RTU, SCADA, and muchmore.