Solar Panels Plus Offers Solar Photovoltaic Panels (modules) made with 5" cells (Monocrystalline) or with 6" cells (Polycrystalline or Multicrystalline). Currently, Solar Panels Plus offers 20-foot containers (50 KW) as a minimum order. Please contact us for quantity pricing as these prices shift daily.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar collectors are made of semiconductor cells that convert solar radiation into electricity. There are two types of PV systems that generate electricity for residential and/or commercial use. The first and more common type of PV system is a grid-tied system where a building is connected to traditional power lines and can sell excess electricity back to the utility company (Net-Metering.

diagram of solar PV system installed

The less common type of PV system is a stand-alone system where there is no connection to traditional power lines and excess electricity is stored for future use rather than being sold back to the utility company. These systems are typically more expensive and require more maintenance than a grid-tied system.

another diagram of solar PV system installed

Because grid-tied systems are more commonly used in the United States, at least 40 states and the District of Columbia have programs in place that allow users to sell excess electricity back to their local utility company, which essentially turns the existing power meter backwards, giving the user retail credit for unused electricity produced. Below is a map of states that offer such programs.

map of USA shows where solar electric net metering is available

States that DO NOT have any Net-Metering programs in place are as follows:

  • West Virginia
  • South Carolina
  • Alabama
  • Mississippi
  • Tennessee
  • South Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • Alaska