New Jersey Clean Energy

Anatomy of a Solar Energy System

Solar panels (photovoltaics) are made of solar cells that capture sunlight and convert it into usable electrical energy that can power your home. As the cells collect sunlight, the electricity travels through the panel to an inverter, which then converts it into the type of power your home uses.

The more solar cells in a panel (as well as the quality of the cells), the more electricity the solar panel will produce. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) are issued for various types of technologies through varying states. In New Jersey, SRECs are issued to producers of renewable energy every time 1 million watts (one megawatt) of electricity is produced. These certificates are traded for cash either at system turn-on through contract, or along the way through a broker. Many utility programs offer SREC programs and many private investment companies will contract for your system's renewable energy credits up front. In Pennsylvania the system works the same except they are called Alternative Energy Credits.

Weather conditions, shade, and the positioning of the solar panels are factors that will affect the energy output. The panels function best when in direct sun, away from large trees or other obstructions that cast shade. Array Sunsystems will help you determine of your home is a good candidate for installation.