Solar Basics

SOLAR ENERGY AND BATTERY STORAGE
A Consumer's Guide to the Basics

OUC has long been a proponent of solar energy generation. As we look ahead to developing a cleaner, greener energy future, we’re continuing to make serious commitments to using solar as part of our pledge to achieve Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Additionally, OUC is committed to helping our customers understand the capabilities of solar systems.

WHEN SOLAR WORKS
		Solar only works when the sun is shining. Solar panels don’t generate power at night and are limited on cloudy days.
		Homes, buildings, and businesses get electricity through an interconnected system that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity – also called the grid. However, the grid isn’t a battery and isn’t capable of storing solar energy.
		Solar alone is not a reliable power source. Battery storage helps mitigate solar’s intermittency issues.
		With battery storage, unused solar energy can be held in reserve until it’s needed, even when the sun isn’t shining.
		A solar user without battery storage still gets backup power from OUC’s grid, ensuring reliability and resiliency at all times, especially during peak demand.

In completed and
under construction projects,
OUC has more than
272 MW
of solar power at utility scale,
enough to power 50,370 homes

There are more than 5,583
local rooftop solar customers
with a generating capacity of
58.78 MW
of power

Click here to learn more about how OUC is using solar and storage.

How does solar energy work?

Power is generated by converting energy from the sun into electricity. This is most often done through photovoltaic panels typically placed on residential customers’ roofs. The more the sun shines, the more energy is produced.

What happens on cloudy days?

Solar panels only produce energy when the sun is shining. As the sun goes down or is covered by clouds, energy output decreases significantly. Solar panels do not produce energy overnight. That’s why some homeowners choose a battery storage option as part of their residential solar installation. The panels charge the batteries during the day, then the batteries run the home’s appliances at night.

How does rooftop solar send electricity to my home?

Electricity produced by a solar panel is direct current (DC), similar to energy produced by batteries. In order to be used by appliances inside your home, DC must be converted to alternating current (AC), which is the type of energy supplied by the grid. To get the power from your rooftop into your house, a series of wire connectors is linked to a power inverter, which converts DC electricity to AC electricity so it can be fed into your home’s wiring. For more on how OUC delivers power to our customers, watch this video.

How much power can I generate with solar?

The power you can expect from rooftop solar varies based on your home’s specific conditions. For example, the angle of the roof determines how much sunlight and shade the panels will receive, and other factors like tree coverage play a role in how much power your panels can produce. There are many tools available online, and vendors can help you determine the ideal solar capacity for your home.

How much will I save with solar?

Savings will vary depending on the size of your home, the temperatures at which you set your thermostat and your water heater, your solar vendor agreement, and the size and capacity of your rooftop solar installation.

Should I improve my home’s energy efficiency before installing solar?

Yes! Saving energy is more cost-effective than producing energy, so taking measures to ensure energy efficiency in your home – things like setting your thermostat to the optimum temperature and replacing windows – is a great place to start before shopping for solar. For more tips on conserving electricity and water, and information on OUC’s consumer rebate programs, click here.

Do I need a new roof before installing solar panels?

According to roofing materials manufacturer Owens Corning, if your roof is more than 10 years old, you may want to consider hiring a roofing inspector to determine whether your roof can accommodate a solar installation.

Click here for additional resources to help you determine if a rooftop solar system is right for you.