Learn More About Solar Energy
How does solar energy work? (Source: SolarCity)
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Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight to direct current (DC) electricity.
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The inverter converts DC into alternating current (AC) electricity.
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The electrical panel sends power to your lights and appliances.
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The utility meter measures the energy you draw and feed back to the grid.
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Discover your solar savings potential (Source: Project Sunroof)
Solar energy technologies use the sun’s energy to light homes, produce hot water, heat homes and electricity.
The main benefit of solar energy is that it does not produce any pollutants and is one of the cleanest source of energy. It is a renewable source of energy, requires low maintenance and are easy to install.
With the installation of solar panels, homeowner’s everywhere will be given the chance to lower their energy bill with a program called Project Sunroof by Google.
Installing solar panels has gotten a lot cheaper than before, making this accessible to many individuals!
When you enter your address, Project Sunroof looks up your home in Google Maps and combines that information with other databases to create your personalized roof analysis.
You also do not have to worry about Project Sunroof giving your private information to anyone!
Project Sunroof computes how much sunlight hits your roof in a year. It takes into account:
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Google’s database of aerial imagery and maps
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3D modeling of your roof
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Shadows cast by nearby structures and trees
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All possible sun positions over the course of a year
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Historical cloud and temperature patterns that might affect solar energy production
Project Sunroof also uses current solar industry pricing data to run the numbers on leasing, taking a loan, or buying solar panels for your house to help you choose what’s best for you.
Project Sunroof recommends an installation size to generate close to 100% of your electricity use, based on roof size, the amount of sun hitting the roof, and your electricity bill.
They recommend an installation that covers less than 100% of your electrical usage because, in most areas, there is little financial benefit to producing more power than you can consume.
This is a great opportunity for homeowner’s to save money, as well as do good for their community and the environment.
For more information on how to get on board with Project Sunroof, please visit https://www.google.com/get/sunroof
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Harnessing the South's Bountiful Sunshine: "Despite the South’s abundant sunshine, solar energy is a vastly underutilized resource across the region. Recent developments, however, suggest that state policy makers and utility commissions are beginning to recognize the valuable role of solar energy in meeting the region’s electricity demand. SELC’s new initiative was launched to capitalize on this momentum and to help the Southeast reap the many benefits of solar power..." (Source: SELC Solar Initiative)
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