How Solar Technology Works

There are two types of Solar Systems to consider: Solar Electric/ Photovoltaic (PV) Systems and Solar Thermal Solutions are both available to residential and commercial users.

Types of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Systems: PV systems create electricity that can be used in your home or business to run your appliances, lighting, and central air conditioning just as the power you would use from your utility’s electric grid. There are three distinct ways to hook up PV systems: direct grid-tie, grid-tie with back-up, and stand alone. Mercury Solar Systems specializes in direct grid-tied systems. Only Grid connected PV systems currently has state and federal incentives available.

Solar Thermal Solutions: Solar Thermal is used to heat water in your home or business and can help reduce the costs of heating. Many people are interested in this technology when they have water based heating services or if they have a pool to heat in the cooler climates. Incentives are currently not available from the state or federal government for Solar Thermal Systems.

How Does Solar Electric Work?

Visit our partner in renewal energy, Mercury Solar Systems for more information on how solar electric works.

Simply stated, Solar Electric or Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. Sunlight hits the solar electric array installed on a rooftop (ground or pole mount options available), which generates direct current (DC). The inverter changes the direct current into alternating current (AC), which is used to meet your electricity requirements. When your usage exceeds the generation capacity of your PV power system, your utility company provides electricity as usual. However, for 10 kW or less residential systems in New York State, on days when your solar generation exceeds your usage, you can actually see your electric meter spin backwards as you gain credit from your utility company for the excess power that you produce.

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