Sun Fun Facts

Solar Panels

Made up of silicon cells that absorb photons (sunlight) to create an photovoltaic (PV) effect that coverts sunlight into electricity.

A solar array is connected to your home via an inverter, delivering the electricity you need.

Solar Inverter

A solar inverter is the electrical box that turns direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into an alternating current (AC) electricity that you use in your home. Grid tied solar invertors allow this AC electricity to be sent back the grid if you produce more energy than you use.

Solar Meter

The solar meter monitors the electricity your system produces to ensure it is working well. You can access the data on your meter from your mobile device or laptop to monitor system performance.

Net Usage

When you solar system generates more electricity than you use, like during the daytime, you receive credit from your utility. This credit is called Net Metering and you may even see your meter run backwards. When you use more electricity than you generate, like at night, you draw it back off the gird and subsequently reduce credits associated with your Net Usage.

The Grid

The grid is a network of power lines that carries and transmits electricity from power plants to homes or businesses. Solar Hawkes Bay systems can be connected to the grid or off gird with a battery so you can still power your house if the sun doesn’t shine.

Electricity Provider

This is the company you usually buy your electricity from. If you produce more electricity than you use, then the Electricity Provider will compensate you for this extra power. You can contact your Electricity Provider for more information about credits for electricity.