There’s been a lot of talk in the community about the benefits of “going solar.” It’s one of the most common topics we get asked about here at Greiner, and for good reason. Solar power represents the future of renewable energy, yet it’s already right here and ready to enjoy. One of the biggest questions from homeowners in the Davis, Woodland, Vacaville and Winters is in regards to how solar energy actually works.

As popular as solar is becoming throughout California and the rest of the country, many people still don’t quite know the ins and outs of solar panels and solar arrays. Here’s a primer to help give you a better understanding of how solar works and how it can help to improve home efficiency and performance:

Solar Power 101

Solar energy seems complicated at face value, but the fact is that there are only four steps to converting the sun’s rays to usable energy.

1. First, photovoltaic (PV) cells on panels capture energy from the sun and convert it to direct current electricity (DC).
2. This electricity is sent to an inverter, where it is converted into alternating current electricity (AC).
3. An electrical panel then sends the AC power to lights and appliances within your home.
4. Finally, a utility meter measures all energy drawn and fed back to the grid.

If this all seems really simple, that’s because it is. Solar is one of the most hands-off home upgrades a homeowner can make, requiring very little (if any) maintenance once the installation has been completed. You’ll not only be doing your part to help the environment; you’ll also end up saving a great deal of the money in the process over time.

The Greiner Approach

At Greiner, we take a “whole-home” approach and firmly believe in the importance of maximizing a home’s efficiency before upgrading to solar. Energy loss is an extremely common problem in homes that lack air sealing, insulation and properly-sized HVAC units. Once these issues have been discovered via an energy audit and then addressed, however, a new solar array will be able to thrive. We can work with your budget to develop a plan to address all the necessary work to make solar reality in your home. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have along the way. Our team can even help you finance your solar install with significant tax credits, PACE financing and traditional financing. For more information, visit our financing page.

Solar is only going to continue to grow in popularity, and now’s the perfect time to dive in. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our solar power experts!