Solar arrays are made of a group of solar panels strung together. Each panel is composed of solar cells used to capture the sun's energy.

Solar panels generate electricity when sunlight hits the surface of a cell. Electrons in the silicon absorb energy from the sun. These energized electrons jump from their atoms to a conducting material in the cell, which creates an electric charge. This charge is then captured by solar panels that have been wired together.

Yes. Not only does Georgia have more than enough sunlight to generate electricity with solar PV panels, but we receive more sunlight than Germany, the global leader in the use of solar energy. Solar maps can tell within a few percent the amount of sunlight that will hit a specific spot on the earth's surface in a given year.

The energy produced by solar panels is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average sized home uses approximately 900 kWh of electricity per month. This number will vary based on age of home, heating and cooling systems, and other features.

To collect the most energy, solar panels need to face the sun and not be obstructed by shade. This makes a roof the ideal location to install an array. A 1 kW array takes up 90 to 100 square feet of space, and a 5kW array requires about 500 square feet to produce about 6,000 kWh per year. In some cases where a rooftop installation is not possible, it may make sense to install an array on the ground.

Most solar PV systems do not have a battery backup included. Battery technology can help retain energy for use when the sun is not shining or during an electric grid outage, but can add significant expense to the cost of a system.