What Is: Solar Energy Equipment & Systems?
Solar energy equipment and systems are the materials, primarily banks of solar cells known as solar panels, that when properly installed can generate electricity for both residential and commercial customers. Solar energy not only reduces the expense of electricity, it also decreases the demand for fossil fuels and their damaging effects on the environment. Solar panels are groups of photovoltaic cells that are connected electrically and then mounted on a supporting structure, such as the roof of a building. Solar equipment systems include the solar panels, a power inverter that changes direct current to alternating current, and in many cases either a solar tracker or a battery. Numerous businesses design and install solar energy systems and, while the conversion of a home or business to solar energy can be a very expensive proposition, there are also many rebate programs, run by both utility companies and the government, that can assist in defraying some of the costs. There are also companies that lease solar equipment to their customers, who then pay a monthly fee that is often guaranteed to be lower than what they had originally been paying to their electric company.