Solar Energy Systems Turn Sunlight into Electricity.
Solar Energy System (c) The Energy Grid 2008
In this simple illustration, electricity is produced in 'Direct Current' (DC) form by photovoltaic Solar Panels. This energy is then converted to grid-compatible "Alternating Current" (AC) by an Inverter. Once converted, the electricity can be used to power household appliances or be sent back through the electric meter into the grid.