Solar panels collect clean renewable energyin the form of sunlight and convert that light into electricity which can thenbe used to provide power for electrical loads. Solar panels are comprised ofseveral individual solar cells which are themselves composed of layers ofsilicon, phosphorous (which provides the negative charge), and boron (whichprovides the positive charge). Solar panels absorb the photons and in doing soinitiate an electric current. The resulting energy generated from photonsstriking the surface of the solar panel allows electrons to be knocked out oftheir atomic orbits and released into the electric field generated by the solarcells which then pull these free electrons into a directional current. Thisentire process is known as the Photovoltaic Effect. An average home has morethan enough roof area for the necessary number of solar panels to produce enough solar electricrity to supply all of its power needs excess electricity generated goes onto the main power grid, paying off in electricity use atnight.

       In a well-balanced grid-connected configuration, a solar array generates power during the day that is then usedin the home at night. Net metering programs allow solar generator owners to getpaid if their system produces more power than what is needed in the home. Inoff-grid solar applications, a battery bank, solar charge controller, and inmost cases, an inverter are necessary components. The solar array sends directcurrent (DC) electricity through the charge controller to the battery bank. Thepower is then drawn from the battery bank to the inverter, which converts theDC current into alternating current (AC) that can be used for non-DC appliances. Assisted by an inverter, solar panel arrays can be sized to meetthe most demanding electrical load requirements. The AC current can be used topower loads in homes or commercial buildings, recreational vehicles and boats,remote cabins, cottages, or homes, remote traffic controls, telecommunication sequipment, oil and gas flow monitoring, RTU, SCADA, and much more.