For residential applications, the most common form of solar system is a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. These are systems which convert sunlight into electricity, using the photovoltaic principle and can be used to meet your home's electrical demand. Grid-tie systems enable you to receive credits or payments for energy that you export to the electrical (utility) grid system.

To get started, it's best to understand the equipment required and some key terminology often used with solar systems.