Solar Panels 101

How Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cells Works

Solar panels create energy by absorbing photons from sunlight. The photons react with the photoelectric material in the solar modules, knocking electrons. These electrons are captured in the form of a direct electrical current, creating power for your home.

Convert Sunlight to Energy

After being converted to alternating current, power travels from the inverter to your electrical service panel (your breaker box). The power from the electrical panel is then distributed to any electrical loads in your home.

Run your Meter Backwards

When excess power is produced by the solar panels system, the power will flow into the grid through your electric meter. This will cause your meter to run backward gaining you a credit with the utility company.

Net Metering

The net metering legislation states that the utility company must credit you at retail rates (the same rate they would have charged you). Therefore, time of use customers will be credited peak rates for power fed into the grid during peak hours.

What Makes a House Suitable for Solar Panels?

There are several factors that determine how suitable a home is for solar panels:

  • The number of sun hours received by your geographical location. Also known as solar isolation, this is the amount of sunlight that a geographical location receives in a typical year.
  • The amount of shading received by your roof during peak production hours. Less is better. Tall structures (other homes or buildings, trees, telephone poles, etc.) can restrict the amount of sunlight that reaches an installed solar panel. The shade of those other structures create can reduce the effectiveness of your solar panels system.
  • Available roof or ground area for the solar panels system. A solar panels system requires space for installation.
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Great company!! As a roof replacement is a major project, we probably got a dozen estimates.  Everyone, except Florida Solar wanted a deposit before the job even started.  We could not be more satisfied.  Starting with our salesman Nathan, the Office Staff who kept us appraised of everything, and the installation crew, who did an amazing job. The company also takes care of all permits, and inspections with the county as well as Homeowners Associations I will be recommending this company to our friends, and neighbors. Once again, top notch company.

Paul Smith

Tampa, FL

This company exceeded my expectations.  From start to finish I was informed of the status of my project. Everything was done in a timely manner . David and his installation crew were clean and efficient. I love that this company doesn't use sub contractors . It was a piece of mind for me knowing they do everything in house. I'll recommend them to everybody. Thank you FSA!

Ray B.

Tampa, FL

We are very satisfied with the teamwork, from the first appointment where Damaris and Anthony gave a detailed presentation of the materials and the process; Michael the project manager was always on the lookout for any questions we had and Greg the installer did a very clean and careful job with the best disposition paying attention to every detail. It has been a quick and timely process. everyone has been very professional. Thank you!

Julian O.

Tampa, FL