# Thinking About Switching to Solar? A Guide to the Basics > If you’re thinking about switching to solar energy, here’s what you need to know about components employed in the average residential system. Learn more. [![switching to solar, Sudbury, Wellesley MA](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/solar-contractor.jpg)](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/solar-contractor.jpg)With the steady growth of [renewable energies](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/renewable-energy-sources-alternative-home-heating-cooling.html) powering more commercial and residential buildings, the need to understand exactly how they work has never been more clear. If you’re thinking about [switching to solar](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/plan-solar-system-now-break-ground-before-summer.html), here’s what you need to know about the components employed in the average residential system, as well as a primer on how the components come together to generate electricity from solar power. [![switching to solar, Sudbury, Wellesley MA](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/solar-contractor.jpg)](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/solar-contractor.jpg) ## Components of a solar system The system’s main components include: - Solar panels - Mounting racks - Direct current (DC) disconnect - Inverter - Battery - Power meter - Utility meter - Kilowatt meter - Backup generator (if necessary) - Breaker panel - Alternate current (AC) panel - Circuit breaker panel - Charge controller ## How solar works These components work together to transform [solar energy](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/solar-energy-power-is-free.html) to electricity for the home. Here’s how: - When the sun’s rays hit the solar panels, they collect solar energy. - Choosing mounting racks that track solar energy allows for optimal energy sourcing, as the sun changes its location throughout the day. - The inverter takes solar DC energy and converts it to AC energy, which most homes use. - The energy moves through the various breaker panels, as the system converts energy to usable electricity. - The various panels “meter” or read the solar system’s energy production. Most local codes require that solar systems connect to the local utility company’s power grid. Excess energy is sent through the grid for a credit, and when energy production is low, the system can draw energy from the power company. For systems that aren’t connected to the grid, the backup generator provides power on days when supply is low. - The disconnect allows your contractor to safely access the panels for maintenance. - The charge controller regulates power to ensure the proper charge at all times. It prevents overcharging by supplying the system with a continuous charge, while ensuring that power is accessible when the batteries require a charge. [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) is proud to provide HVAC services to the Route 495/128 area of Wellesley MA. We're happy to schedule a free home consultation to assess your home's potential for solar power. If you’re thinking about switching to solar power, we’re the area’s go-to source for heating and cooling solutions. Give us call today or visit our website for more information. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://Shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Wellesley MA, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/switching-to-solar-guide-basics.html](http://wellesley.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/switching-to-solar-guide-basics.html)