The infrastructure of power lines, transformers and substations that delivers electric power to homes and businesses. The utility grid is owned and managed by electric utility companies.

An electrical current whose magnitude and direction varies continuously and sinusoidal. AC is the form in which electricity is delivered to businesses and residences. It can be thought of as “standard” electrical power.

A unit of measure that indicates how much electricity, or electrical current, is flowing through your wires.

An electrical current whose magnitude and direction stay constant. The photovoltaic cells on solar panels capture energy from sunlight in the form of DC. In order to power your home or business, this current must be converted to AC by an inverter.

The flow of charged electrons through a circuit. Depending upon its behavior, an electrical current can be alternating or direct (AC or DC).

An electrical distribution board that houses electrical circuit breakers. It is the main point at which electricity is distributed throughout a building. It is otherwise known as a breaker box or electrical cabinet.

Fuels that are derived from natural resources, usually in the form of coal, oil, or natural gas. There is a limited supply of these resources, and they are only located in certain parts of the world, making them subject to political and international maneuvering, and causing energy prices to be unstable.

Gaseous components in the atmosphere that contribute to a gradual warming of the planet. The most prevalent of these gases is carbon dioxide, which is released in large quantities when fossil fuels are burned. Nothing is burned to convert sunlight into power. Since solar energy does not have any gaseous by-products, it is considered “clean.”

A solar system connected in parallel with the electric utility grid. Sunworks solar systems are grid-connected solar systems.

A solar system that is not attached directly to a building, but is supported by a structure that is built low to the ground. Ground mounts are ideal for sites with limited roof space and a lot of open land.