How Solar Works
Solar energy is pretty simple. Here's how it works:
Solar panels turn sunlight into energy through the following steps:
1. Sunlight hits the solar panels on the roof. The solar panels convert the photons in sunlight into electrons of direct current ("DC") electricity.
2. The direct current electricity flows through the inverter, where it is converted to alternating current ("AC") and fed into the grid. AC power is the type of electricity used by all the appliances in your home.
3. The Sunrun meter monitors solar system production to ensure it is producing as it should.
4. A bi-directional, or net meter keeps track of all the electricity your system contributes to the grid, as well as the electricity your home uses from the grid. When your home solar system produces more electricity than your home is using, your net meter will let your utility company know to give you credits for that. At night, and on days when your home uses more electricity than your system is producing, you'll use up those credits and draw electricity from the grid.
Happy Sunrun Customers
In their own words: Sunrun customers speak about getting home solar.