Solar Technology

Photovoltaics, or PV, converts sunlight into electricity – as the word implies (photo = light, voltaics = electricity). PV cells are made from special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is most commonly used. When sunlight strikes the PV cell, it is absorbed within the silicon and the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the silicon. Energy knocks electrons loose and the electric fields in the PV cells force the electrons to move in a certain direction. This is called current which is drawn out of the cell by placing metal contacts at the top and bottom of the PV cell.

Atlantic Solar Assets (ASA) installs what is called a direct grid-tie system. This means it is connected into the electricity system provided by your utility company. The panels of the solar array transforms sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Since lights/machinery etc. run on higher voltage
alternating current (AC), the electricity is sent to an inverter that converts it to the same type of AC that is distributed by your utility.

The electrical panel of your building is tied into a bi-directional utility meter that is connected through your utility and back to the electrical grid. This allows AC electricity to flow both into and out of your building. On bright sunny days the system may produce more electricity than is needed. At these times, the bi-directional meter will spin backwards giving credit to the excess electricity you are providing. This is known as “net-metering” and many states require that utilities allow and facilitate
net-metering.

In New Jersey, for example, the state Board of Public Utilities, has adopted a “net-metering” protocol so that the electric distribution company (EDC):

      “Credits a customer-generator at the full retail rate for each kilowatt-hour produced by a class I renewable energy system installed on the customer-generators side of the electric revenue meter, up to the total amount of electricity used by that customer during an annualized period; and

      “Compensates the customer-generator at the end of the annualized period for any remaining credits, at a rate equal to the supplier/provider’s avoided cost of wholesale power.

With net-metering, a system can be sized based on an energy user’s annual needs – so that a company can utilize 100% clean, solar energy in the most economically efficient and beneficial way.