A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (PV), is a device that converts light into electric current using the photoelectric effect. There are many competing technologies, including at least fourteen types of photovoltaic cells, such as thin-film, noncrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and amorphous cells, as well as multiple types of concentrating solar power. Solar installations in recent years have also begun to expand into residential areas with the government offering incentive programs to make “green” energy a more economically viable option. Solar energy is not available at night, therefore making energy storage an important issue in order to provide the continuous availability of energy. Off-grid PV systems have traditionally used rechargeable batteries to store excess electricity. With grid-tied systems, excess electricity can be sent to the transmission grid. Net metering programs give these systems a credit for the electricity they deliver to the grid. This credit offsets electricity provided from the grid when the system cannot meet demand, effectively using the grid as a storage mechanism. Credits are normally rolled over month to month and any remaining surplus settled annually. Solar Power Systems New Port Richey Mike Currie Electric, Inc. now offers Solar Power Systems available for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Photovoltaics (PV) or Solar Electricity • Grid-Tied • System Monitoring • Solar Home Cooling – Attic Ventilation Mike Currie Electric, Inc. can help you take advantage of tax credits, state rebates, power company rebates and other incentives. Call us today to see what is available and how we can help you go green.   See our “Featured Projects” page for more info!