SolarBasics
Understanding how solar energy works is the first step toward making a smart choice for your home or business.
HowDoesSolarWork?
Explore how each component works together to power your home.
Solar Panels
Capture sunlight and generate DC electricity.
Inverters
Convert DC electricity to AC electricity used in your home.
Electrical Meter
Measures energy consumption and net metering credits.
Battery Storage
Stores excess energy for use at night or during outages.
Home & Grid
Powers your home and sends surplus to the utility grid.
When sunlight hits the solar panels, it creates an electric field that produces direct current (DC) energy. An inverter converts this into the AC power your home uses. Any excess energy can be stored in a battery for nighttime use and outage protection, or sent back to the grid for net metering credits.
RecommendedSolarPanels
Proudly American Made
Every panel we install is manufactured in the United States, built to the highest quality standards while supporting American workers and communities.
Q CELLS Q.TRON
Next-level efficiency — Q.TRON technology delivers industry-leading performance with sleek all-black aesthetics.
Best for homeowners wanting top-tier output and a clean rooftop look.
JinKO Eagle Continental
380-400W Mono PERC half-cell module assembled in Jacksonville, FL. Diamond half-cell technology, shade tolerant, and built tough with a thick frame, 3.2mm glass, and Fire Type 1 rating.
Best for reliable output with a 25-year product and power warranty.
InvertersWeUse
The brain of your solar system, converting DC power from panels into usable AC electricity.
SolarEdge Home Hub
Record-breaking 99% efficiency with HD-Wave technology. Supports battery storage, EV charging, and whole-home backup from a single unit.
Tesla Solar Inverter
Scalable 3.8-7.6kW models with native Powerwall integration. Sleek design, 12.5-year warranty, and seamless Tesla ecosystem connectivity.
Enphase IQ8+
Industry-first grid-forming microinverters. Panel-level optimization means shade on one panel won't reduce the whole system. 25-year warranty.
BatteryStorage
Store excess solar energy and power your home during outages or at night.
Tesla Powerwall 3
13.5kWh capacity with built-in solar inverter delivering 11.5kW continuous power. Whole-home backup with seamless solar integration and smart energy management.
Franklin WH aPower 2
10kW output with 15kWh capacity using LFP chemistry. Ultra-quiet 30dBA natural cooling, can start a 5-ton AC on a single battery. 15-year warranty.
Enphase IQ Battery 5P
Enphase's most powerful home battery. Modular design lets you scale capacity to your needs. Works with IQ System Controller for full-home backup. 15-year warranty.
4KeyThingstoLookFor
When choosing the right solar system for your home.
Panel Efficiency
Higher efficiency panels produce more power in less space. Look for mono PERC or N-type cells with 20%+ efficiency ratings.
Inverter Type
String inverters are cost-effective, while microinverters optimize each panel individually. Your roof layout and shading determine the best fit.
Battery Storage
A properly sized battery keeps your home powered during outages and stores excess solar for nighttime use. LFP batteries offer the longest lifespan.
Warranty & Installer
Look for 25-year panel warranties and choose a certified installer. LightSkye is a Tesla Certified Installer and NABCEP-accredited.
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Common terms and questions to help you understand solar energy.
What is Net Metering?
A billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they send back to the grid. When your panels produce more than you use, the surplus flows to the grid and your utility gives you credits that offset future bills.
What is a kWh (Kilowatt-Hour)?
A unit of energy measurement. The average U.S. home uses about 10,500 kWh per year. Your monthly electric bill shows your kWh consumption, which is the starting point for sizing a solar system.
What is the difference between DC and AC?
DC (Direct Current) is the raw electricity produced by solar panels. AC (Alternating Current) is what your home appliances use. An inverter sits between the two, converting DC to AC in real time.
String Inverter vs. Microinverter?
A string inverter is a single box that converts power from all your panels at once. Microinverters are installed on each panel individually, so shade or debris on one panel won't reduce the output of the rest. Microinverters cost more but perform better on complex or partially shaded roofs.
What is LFP Battery Chemistry?
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) is a battery chemistry known for long cycle life, thermal stability, and safety. Most modern home batteries, including the Franklin WH aPower 2 and Enphase IQ Battery 5P, use LFP cells.
How Do I Size a Home Battery?
A good rule of thumb is to divide your annual kWh consumption by 365, then by 2. For example, a home using 11,000 kWh/year needs roughly 15 kWh of battery storage to cover nighttime usage. Your installer will factor in your utility rate structure and backup priorities.
What is Whole-Home Backup?
Whole-home backup means your battery system can power your entire house during a grid outage, not just a few selected circuits. Products like the Tesla Powerwall 3 and Franklin WH aPower 2 are designed for whole-home coverage.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a free consultation and let our experts answer all your solar questions.