Solar & Energy Glossary for Erie Homeowners

Rechargeable batteries that store excess solar energy for use at night or during power outages. Increasingly popular in Erie for backup power during winter storms.

A federal tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of a solar installation. Reduces the cost of a typical Erie system by $5,000-$8,000. Available through at least 2032.

A solar system connected to the utility grid. The most common type in Erie. Allows net metering but does not provide power during grid outages without battery backup.

A device that converts DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity used by your home. String inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers each have advantages.

The standard unit of electricity consumption. An average Erie home uses 800-1,200 kWh per month. Solar system size is determined by how many kWh you want to offset.

Individual inverters attached to each panel. More expensive but each panel operates independently. Better for Erie roofs with partial shading from trees.

A billing arrangement where excess solar electricity is sent to the grid and credited to your utility bill. Pennsylvania requires net metering for residential solar customers.

Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. PV panels are the standard for residential solar installations in Erie.

The equivalent number of hours per day when solar radiation averages 1,000 watts per square meter. Erie averages about 3.5 peak sun hours daily, varying by season.

The mounting hardware that secures solar panels to your roof. Must be engineered for Erie's wind and snow loads. Roof-mount and ground-mount options available.

A tradeable certificate earned for every megawatt-hour of solar electricity produced. Pennsylvania's SREC market provides additional income for Erie solar system owners.

A central inverter that converts DC from a string of connected panels. Most affordable option. Shading on one panel can reduce output from the entire string.