A home solar system is made up of components that all work together to convert the power of sunlight into usable energy for your lights, appliances and devices.

1. Solar panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as the sun ray’s are making contact with your roof, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still expect your panels to produce 10% to 25% of their normal output. But your electricity isn’t ready just yet. You’ll need an inverter to get the kind of power you need to turn the lights on.

2. Inverter
The inverter takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.

3. Main electric service panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into to your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your panels generate more solar energy than you use, the excess power will flow to the utility grid. Even better? You might even earn energy credits from your local utility for the power you send.

4. Lunar Solar meter
Your Lunar Solar meter monitors your system production and sends the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Lunar Solar if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar system is in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.

5. Utility meter
When your system produces more than you need, the excess energy is sold back to your utility and credited to your monthly electric bill. When you need more energy than your solar system can produce, your home will automatically pull the energy from your utility. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

You can turn on your solar system when we are granted permission to operate (PTO) from your utility. This typically occurs a few weeks after the system is installed.

Your installation is complete when all the equipment is installed on your home, and the city inspector has signed off on the final electrical building permit. At this point, Lunar Solar submits the final documents to your utility company for interconnection, and the utility will come out to install a new net meter on your home. You will receive a letter or email from your utility company when it has granted you permission to operate, which means you can turn on your solar system.

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1) Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2) Inverter
Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3) Lunar Solar meter
Solar production is measured and monitored by your Lunar Solar meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.

4) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."

5) Utility meter
When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and night time, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

Permission to Operate (PTO) is when your utility grants you permission to connect your system to their grid. We cannot turn on your system without it.

To get it, Lunar Solar submits paperwork to the utility to request we be granted PTO. This is your application for interconnection. Inspection must be completed and permits must be approved by your local jurisdiction before the application can be approved.

The entire process can take two to six weeks.