Solar power means using energy from the sun to produce electricity. These pages show how that energy is turned into electricity, the components needed and various possible types of systems.

How it works

Part 1 - From the sun to the panels
		Part 2 - From the panels to the inverter (and an explanation of AC and DC electricity!)

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Types of systems

Solar power systems can be configured in a variety of ways to meet different needs. The following are the most common configurations.

• Grid-tied (or grid dependent or net metering) - feeding power to the grid and using power from the grid, paying for only the difference
• Solar backup (or grid interactive) - getting power from the grid with solar power as a backup
• Off-grid - getting power from solar power with an optional generator as backup
• Feed-in tarriff (or solar premium or standard offer program) - selling power to the grid exclusively/being a mini-power utility

Sample installed systems

Here's a small sample of solar power systems I helped install with Ottawa Solar Power.

Just another day installing solar power in the Ottawa, Ontario area.

But then, not all days are snowy...