Solar

How Does Solar Technology Work?

Photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal technologies convert sunlight into usable energy.

Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Solar-thermal systems capture heat from the sun to warm buildings or water.

Solar electricity flow from sunlight to solar panels and into a home.
Source: EnergySage.

Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic cells absorb energy from the sun through a chemical process known as the photovoltaic effect.

Step 1: Sunlight hits the photovoltaic cell.

Step 2: The light energizes electrons, creating an electrical current.

Step 3: The electricity flows through the system and can be used or stored.

Solar-Thermal Energy

Solar-thermal technologies absorb heat from the sun and directly transfer it to heat buildings or water.

Step 1: Sunlight is concentrated using mirrors or collectors.

Step 2: A fluid or air is heated as it moves through the system.

Step 3: The heated fluid is used to produce hot water or heat buildings.

System Connectivity Options

On-Grid Systems

Connected to the utility power grid

Excess electricity can flow back to the grid

Provides backup power when solar production is low

Off-Grid Systems

Not connected to the utility grid

Powered entirely by solar energy

Typically include battery storage and sometimes a backup generator

Off-grid vs. on-grid solar power system comparison. Source: Ningbo Green Light Energy (NGLE).

Energy Conversion

Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, while homes and the electrical grid use alternating current (AC).

An inverter converts DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity that can power household appliances.

If your system generates more electricity than you use, the excess energy can flow back to the grid through a utility meter.

New York homeowners may qualify for net metering, allowing them to receive credits on their utility bills through the NY-Sun Program.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Reduce monthly utility bill

Systems tend to be low-maintenance

Support the local economy

Lower personal carbon footprint

Earn credits toward electric bill

Panels can increase property value

Interested in solar energy but don't have the space or financial means to install panels?

Check out NeST's Community Solar program to learn how to subscribe to an off-site solar farm!

Solar

How Does Solar Technology Work?

Photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal technologies convert sunlight into usable energy.

Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Solar-thermal systems capture heat from the sun to warm buildings or water.​

Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic cells absorb energy from the sun through a chemical process known as the photovoltaic effect.

Step 1: Sunlight hits the photovoltaic cell.

Step 2: The light energizes electrons, creating an electrical current.

Step 3: The electricity flows through the system and can be used or stored.

Solar-Thermal Energy

Solar-thermal technologies absorb heat from the sun and directly transfer it to heat buildings or water.

Step 1: Sunlight is concentrated using mirrors or collectors.

Step 2: A fluid or air is heated as it moves through the system.

Step 3: The heated fluid is used to produce hot water or heat buildings.

System Connectivity Options

On-Grid Systems Connected to the utility power grid Excess electricity can flow back to the grid Provides backup power when solar production is low Off-Grid Systems Not connected to the utility grid Powered entirely by solar energy Typically include battery storage and sometimes a backup generator

Energy Conversion

Benefits of Solar Energy

Reduce monthly utility bill

Systems tend to be low-maintenance

Support the local economy

Lower personal carbon footprint

Earn credits toward electric bill

Panels can increase property value

Interested in solar energy but don't have the space or financial means to install panels?

Check out NeST's Community Solar program to learn how to subscribe to an off-site solar farm!

Don't miss our upcoming events to learn more about clean heating and cooling for your home!

Solar-thermal systems capture heat from the sun to warm buildings or water.