Solar electric technology available today is tested and reliable.

Solar electric components. A solar electric system will contain the following major components

Solar Modules use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to generate an electrical current when a solar cell is exposed to sunlight. 

• Silicon Solar Modules combine many silicon solar cells together in a rigid frame. Silicon modules are currently the most common and efficient modules on the market, but also the most expensive.  Silicon modules on average produce 10 watts/ft2 in full sun. 
• Thin-Film Solar Modules use a very thin layer of PV materials applied to a flexible backing. Thin-film modules are less expensive than silicon modules, but are also less efficient. Thin-film is used in building-integrated solar products such as solar shingles. Thin-film modules on average produce 5 DC watts/ft2 in full sun.

Inverters convert the direct current (DC) produced by your modules into alternating current (AC) for your home. Your California Solar Initiative (CSI) Rebate is determined by the amount of AC electricity you generate.

Solar electric systems. Your system can be designed to address the fact that solar modules do not produce electricity all the time.

Grid-Connected systems are connected to the PG&E electrical “grid”, which is a distribution and transmission system. A grid-connected system sends its excess generated electricity to the grid, and receives electricity from the grid when solar generation does not meet your electricity needs. A grid-connected system can include a battery backup, which increases your cost but provides you onsite storage of solar generated electricity in the event PG&E has a power outage. To qualify for a CSI Rebate from PG&E, a system must be connected to PG&E’s grid. 

Off-Grid systems are not connected to PG&E’s electrical grid. Off-grid systems use onsite battery storage and backup generation and are not eligible for CSI Rebates from PG&E.

 

For a downloadable introduction sheet on Solar Electric technologies and system sizing, click here.