Solar Fast Facts

Solar power is energy generated by sunlight. Solar power generators come in many shapes and sizes, from massive solar thermal installations to the solar panel on a handheld calculator. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Solar on a business, home or other building has multiple effects:

• Save money on your electricity bill
• Reduces pollution with green, renewable energy
• Creates energy when it’s needed most

In California, air-conditioning and industry create a massive demand for energy at the time that solar produces at its peak. Net metering of grid-tied solar PV power enables you to generate excess power and sell it to the utility. Any extra power needed is simply drawn from the utility.

After the initial installation and with adjustments to their daily electricity usage patterns, many solar homes find their net cost for electricity approaches zero.

• A typical PV panel has a life in excess of 30 years
• Over its life, a solar array will pay for itself 3 to 8 times
• Solar creates energy even on cloudy days