What is a Solar Facility?

A solar facility (also called PV system or photovoltaic system) is a set of equipment that converts sunlight into electrical current. It generally consists of solar panels (1) and inverters (2) that deliver energy to an establishment’s distribution board (3). Solar facilities are “sized” in units called kilowatt-peak (kWp).

How Does it Work?

  1. When sunlight hits the solar panels, a chemical reaction causes a direct current (DC) to be created. This flows to the inverter which converts it to an alternating current (AC) that appliances use.

  2. The Electrical energy produced by the solar facility intentionally comes at a slightly higher voltage than the electricity sold by the distribution utility. Because of this, it is consumed first by appliances that are running at the time of production.

  3. As a result, the consumer ends up purchasing less electrify from the distribution utility to fulfill its energy needs during the daytime.

When the solar facility stops producing energy, electricity from the distribution utility seamlessly takes over in providing power for appliances and equipment.