A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity. It is composed of a number of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon. When sunlight hits a PV cell, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. These electrons then flow through the cell, creating an electric current.

The amount of electricity that solar panels can generate depends on a number of factors, including the size of the solar panel system, the amount of sunlight that the solar panels receive, and the efficiency of the solar panels.

Net metering is a billing system in which the customer is credited for the excess electricity that their solar panels generate and sends back to the grid at a retail rate. This means that the customer is paid for the electricity that their solar panels generate, which can help to offset the cost of their solar energy system.

Net accounting is a billing system in which the customer is credited for the excess electricity that their solar panels generate and send back to the grid. This credit can be used to offset the customer’s electricity bill in the future.