SunWire Energy

Solar cells are simple energy converters. They take energy from sunlight and convert that energy into electricity.

The conversion of sunlight into electricity is made possible with the special properties of semi conducting materials. Most solar cells are made from silicon, the 14th element. Silicon is a "semi-conductor" or a "semi-metal," and has properties of both a metal and an insulator.

Solar cells alone cannot produce usable power. They need to be interconnected with other system components that ultimately conduct a specific electrical demand, or "load".

Photovoltaic (PV) systems can either be stand-alone or grid-connected. The main difference between the two is that grid-connected systems produce power in parallel with the electrical utility and use it as a storage device when excess power is being produced.

When the sun is shining, the direct current (DC) electricity from the PV modules is converted to alternating current (AC) by the power of an electronic inverter, and then fed directly into the site power distribution system where it supplies electric power.

Any excess solar power is exported to the utility power grid and any shortfall is made up with electricity supplied by the grid. During non-sun hours, the site is supplied by utility power alone.

SOLAR 101 Video

Watch on YouTube

Sunwire Energy Commercial Power SunStations

SunWire Energy commercial power systems are designed to meet the unique needs of each customer. The system is comprised of solar panels, mounting hardware, custom configured support structures and optional monitoring software. Our engineering staff will perform an on-site consultation to determine the best size, mounting arrangement, and positioning for your system. Each client is presented with a detailed design and installation plan once this analysis is complete. Each SunWire Energy commercial system includes the following equipment configured specifically to meet your power requirements and facility layout:

Solar Panels
Solar panels are mounted on the roof or grounds of your facility. The silicon-based photovoltaic cells inside convert the sunlight hitting your facility directly into DC power. Solar thermal cells heat domestic water supplies.

Inverters
An inverter is a device that converts the DC power from the solar panels into the standard AC power that is used in your facility or fed back to the grid.

Electrical Panel
The electric panel, or breaker box, contains the fuses and breakers that distribute your solar electricity throughout the building.

Utility Meter
The utility meter measures the flow of electricity between your facility and the utility grid. Excess electricity that flows to the grid will generate a credit with the power company through a process called Net Metering.

Utility Grid
The utility grid is the network of distribution wires maintained by your local electric utility. You will always remain connected to the grid even after your solar system is in place. And for most installations the grid acts as your back-up storage system for any excess power generation.

System Monitoring
This software continually tracks the performance of your solar system and can be viewed easily via a website and Internet connection.

Learn more about how solar systems work.

Calculate your new monthly bill savings.

SunWire Energy makes installing solar power solutions easy for homeowners.

Commercial building owners, developers, and business owners can control their energy costs by adding a solar power system to their facilities.

Financial Benefits • Environmental Benefits • Government Incentives
How it Works • Industry Links • Savings Calculator • Residential System Selection • Residential Process
Commercial Process • Commercial System Sizing • Partnerships • Careers • Contact Us • Site Map

© 2009 SunWire Energy. Privacy Policy.