Photovoltaic (PV) panels absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity which is then sent to an inverter and changed to alternating current (AC)
electricity that powers your home. If you system generates more electricty than your home needs, it flows back to the power grid and you can accrue energy credits from your utility provider.
And because you're still connected to the grid, you can take back that excess power for free if you need more power at night or on cloudy days.
PV is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar power cells for energy by converting sun energy directly into electricity.
Each home or business is different. Positive Solar sizes and designs your solar system according to your annual energy needs. This is done by taking your most recent utility bill, which gives us a close estimation of your energy comsumption.
In a grid-tie system, power does NOT get stored. The solar power produced by your PV system is either used immediately in the house, or it is “backfed” through the meter creating a credit. If back-up storage is desired, Positive Solar would be happy to discuss battery banks or other storage equipment with you.
The solar panels should be installed in areas where they get significant, shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce output. Positive Solar will minimize the impact of any shade issues through the selection of the proper equipment and good system design.
PV systems do not generate power at night. Electricity required to power your home at night is provided by your local utility. Arizona’s utilities employ net metering rules, which is the ability to earn kilowatt-hour credit for electricity your PV system generates during the day. In theory, if there is excess power generated during the day, the excess can be “used” to power your home at night. In Arizona, net metering rules differ by utility, but in most cases, the residential solar power generated by your PV system will be completely used by your home due to our high, on-peak demand.
South facing panels are preferred, but east or west facing panels can also generate large amounts of power.
The solar power modules have a twenty-five year power-warranty from the manufacturer.
Most of our systems are “grid-tie” systems and do not have batteries. Grid-tie systems do not generate residential solar power for the home when the utility power is out, even if it is sunny. The inverters are designed to shut down if AC/Utility power has been lost. This is for safety reasons. If back-up power is desired, options for battery systems are available.
One kilowatt of PV modules requires about 100 square feet of roof surface for a typical shingle or tile rooftop and about 200 square feet for flat roof applications. There are many solar module manufacturers to choose from with different sizes and efficiencies. Positive Solar will design a system that fits your home, your needs and your budget.
Positive Solar, being solar champions, installs solar all over Arizona, such as; Snowflake, Taylor, Show Low, Lakeside, Heber, Overgaard, Holbrook, St. Johns, Springerville, Mesa, Phoenix, and more. Although based in Arizona, we have even been known to travel out of state.