AC (Alternating Current)

Alternating current (AC) is a type of electrical current that periodically reverses direction. It is the standard form of electricity used in American homes, businesses, and the power grid. In the United States, AC power operates at 60 cycles per second (60 Hz).

Solar panels produce direct current (DC), not AC. For the electricity generated by your panels to power your appliances, lights, and HVAC system, it must first be converted from DC to AC by an inverter. This DC-to-AC conversion is a fundamental step in every solar energy system. AC electricity is preferred for power grids because it can be easily transformed to higher or lower voltages for efficient long-distance transmission. When your solar system is grid-tied, the AC electricity it produces either powers your home directly or flows back to the utility grid through net metering.