Solar, Explained
How Solar
Works
Sunlight becomes electricity your home can use. Here's how the pieces work together.
From sunlight to
everyday power.
- 01
Capture sunlight
Solar panels turn sunlight into DC electricity.
- 02
Convert the power
An inverter converts DC into AC electricity your home can use.
- 03
Power your home
Your home uses solar power, reducing what it draws from the grid.
- 04
Store or send
Extra power can charge an approved battery or flow to the grid.
When the sun goes down.What happens when the sun goes down?
Solar, storage, and the grid work together.
During the day
Solar helps power your home. Extra energy can charge an approved battery, if you have one.
At night
Your home uses stored battery energy, if available, or electricity from the grid.
During an outage
Grid-connected solar alone generally shuts off. Backup requires a compatible battery and a system designed for backup.
Good questions.A few good questions.
Will I still receive an electric bill?
Yes. You remain an LADWP customer and receive a utility bill in addition to your solar-plan bill. Solar reduces the electricity you need from the grid; it does not automatically eliminate your LADWP bill.
Is my home a good fit for solar?
We review roof condition, sunlight, available space, electrical equipment and your energy history. The plan also requires homeowner and property eligibility review.