APS: Arizona's Leading Producer of Electric Power
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HOW THE COMMUNITY POWER PROJECTSM WORKS
300 days of sunshine a year make solar energy a smart, clean choice for Arizona. Here's an overview of how APS-owned solar panels convert sunshine into electricity.

solar energy

1) The roof-top solar panels contain silicon semiconductors that absorb the photons in sunlight. The photons are converted into electrons and become direct current (DC) electricity.

2) The DC electricity passes through an inverter and becomes alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the usable energy for our homes and businesses.

3) The system is connected to the APS power grid.

  • The energy generated flows directly to our grid.
  • The energy the household uses comes directly from our grid.

Also called photovoltaic or "PV" panels, they produce electricity for your home, and are typically positioned on the roof to maximize exposure to the sun.