Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems use the sun's energy to make electricity. PV solar systems utilize solar panels (modules) that convert sunlight directly into electricity. An inverter changes the DC (direct current) generated by the modules into AC (alternating current), which is then fed into your existing electrical system. It's that simple!

When the photons from sunlight strike a solar cell, they knock electrons free in the silicon crystal structure, forcing them through an external circuit (battery or direct DC load), and then returning them to the other side of the solar cell to start the process all over again. The voltage output from a single crystalline solar cell is about 0.5V with an amperage output that is directly proportional to cell's surface area (approximately 7amps for a 6 inch square multicrystalline solar cell). Typically 30-36 cells are wired in series (+ to -) in each solar module. This produces a solar module with a 12V nominal output (~17V at Peak power) that can then be wired in series and/or parallel with other solar modules to form a complete solar array that is connected through your electric meter to the utility grid, or can be used to charge a 12, 24 or 48 volt battery bank.

Marin Solar orients your array to true south, maximizing your daily energy output, tilting the modules from horizontal to optimize the angle to the sun. We design your system to optimize the energy output based on your location.