There are two main types of solar energy technologies—photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). On this page you’ll find resources to learn what solar energy is; how you, your business, or your community can go solar; and find resources for every step of the way.
Solar energy is radiation from the Sun that is capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s energy requirements and could satisfy all future energy needs if suitably harnessed.
Solar technologies are categorized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight and enable solar energy to be harnessed at different levels around the world, mostly depending on the distance from the Equator.
In a nutshell, solar panels generate electricity when photons (those particles of sunlight we discussed before) hit solar cells. The process is called the photovoltaic effect.
Solar panels transform energy from the sun into direct current (DC), which flows to an inverter. The inverter converts the electricity produced by the solar panels from DC to alternating current (AC). Energy from converted AC is used to power your home.
Join thousands of your NJ neighbors who have chosen Trinity to go solar, replace a roof, or do both. See if you qualify for a tax credit and other incentives.