Clean, renewable electricity generation and storage to dramatically reduce utility costs.
Getting to know solar PV systems
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems provide clean, renewable electricity that can be used to meet a building's immediate energy needs, stored in batteries for future use, and in some cases, sold back to the electric grid for utility cost savings.
How does solar PV work?
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system is an energy generating technology that absorbs and converts sunlight into clean and renewable electricity. This technology can be used to provide onsite electricity generation for buildings and dramatically reduce electricity costs.
Solar PV systems are comprised of: modular solar panels made up of solar cells that harvest energy from sunlight; a solar inverter that converts DC to AC; and mounting and cabling equipment. Electricity generated by a PV array can be used for building energy demand, stored in batteries, or in some cases, sold back to the grid. Standalone, or "islanded," PV systems are not connected to the grid and require special equipment and additional wiring. Although not yet common, these systems can create a more resilient building by providing electricity during a grid blackout.
Most PV systems in cities are installed on rooftops, however, systems can also be integrated into building facades, mounted on car-park roofs, installed at ground level, or in other configurations. If desired, rooftop solar PV systems may include a battery storage system.