How Does Rooftop Solar Actually Work? A Simple Guide for Homeowners
From sunlight to electricity
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight directly into direct current (DC) electricity. The more direct sunlight hitting the panel, the more electricity is generated — which is why roof orientation and shading matter so much.
Why you need an inverter
Your home's appliances run on alternating current (AC), not DC. A solar inverter converts the DC electricity from your panels into usable AC power, and also manages how your system interacts with the grid.
On-grid vs off-grid vs hybrid
Most homes install on-grid systems, which stay connected to the electricity grid and export surplus power via net metering. Off-grid systems use batteries and work independent of the grid, while hybrid systems combine both. Our Solar Connection Guide covers this in detail.
What happens to unused power
In an on-grid system, unused solar power is exported to the grid, and you receive credit for it through net metering — effectively using the grid as a giant battery.
The bottom line
Rooftop solar isn't complicated once you understand these basics: panels generate DC power, an inverter makes it usable, and your connection type determines what happens to any surplus. A free site survey is the fastest way to see how this applies to your specific roof.