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Solar Power

Solar 101

What you need to know about solar energy.

Benefits of Solar

Solar offers financial savings and helps the environment.

Why Go Solar

Storage is a great solution, but is not for everyone.

Is Solar a Good Fit?

There are multiple reason to choose a solar system.

How do Solar Panels Work?

Find out the science behind the technology.

Solar 101
How Solar Energy Works
To give you peace of mind and save you money
With solar energy, you can do more than just power your home while support eco-conscious efforts—you can actually save money through a system called net metering. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home needs, the extra energy is sent back to the grid, and you earn credits on your electricity bill.
kWh
Before you Dive in...

It's important first to understand how energy pricing works for anyone who uses utilities

Energy companies charge you based on how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you use. A kWh measures the amount of electricity you consume, and you're charged for each unit.

For example:
Running a 1,000-watt appliance for 1 hour uses 1 kWh

Note: The price of electricity fluctuates based on demand, fuel costs, and other factors. Over time, electricity prices tend to rise, which means higher bills for you. Reduce bills by producing your own!

Solar Panels
How Solar Generates Electricity

Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity using special materials like silicon. This electricity the panels produce is called DC (direct current) power.

Once sunlight hits the panels, the energy is captured and transformed into DC power, which flows in a steady, one-way stream from the panels toward your home. This direct flow of energy needs to be converted into usable power for your home, which happens through an inverter.

In order to utilize this energy we must convert it into Alternating Current or AC Power

Inverters
So We Have Our Energy, Now What?

Your solar panels have captured energy in the form of DC power. The next step is to convert it into Alternating Current (AC), the type of electricity our homes use — with the help of an inverter.

There are different types of inverters, like string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers, but they all perform the same basic function—turning DC power into AC power so your home can use the electricity from your solar panels.

Savings
How You Save

With solar, you don't just produce electricity for your home - you can also save through a process called net metering.

When you produce more electricity than your home needs, that extra energy is sent back to the grid.

In return, your utility company gives you credits for each kWh of energy you send back.

During times when your solar panels aren't producing as much energy (like at night or when it's cloudy). You'll pull electricity from the grid and the credits can be used to reduce costs

Note: Not all states have net metering policies. The availability of net metering depends on your state and utility provider. Be sure to check your local regulations to see if you can take advantage of this benefit.

Storage Batteries

Solar Batteries 101

What you need to know about energy storage.

Benefits of Storage

Storage offers emergency backup power, financial savings and maximizing self suppy of solar.

Why get a Battery

Storage is a great solution, but is not for everyone.

Is Storage a Good Fit?

There are multiple reason to choose a storage system.

Standalone vs Solar Plus Storage

Find out which storage solution is best for you.

We Are ARC

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Experts Powering Your Clean Energy Future

At ARC, we employ the top leaders in the solar industry, from master electricians to experienced engineers. Our team of certified experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional solar solutions that empower our customers to harness the power of renewable energy.

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With over a decade of solar installation experience, ARC Has the expertise to tackle any project, big or small.

Diverse Workforce

As a minority-owned business, we take pride in our community involvement and our role as an approved vendor for the Illinois Solar for All and Shines programs.

Code of Conduct

We are committed to ethical business practices, ensuring our customers receive honest, transparent, and reliable service.

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