Solar energy converts sunlight or solar radiation into
electricity. It is considered a renewable energy technology and
is considered one of the cleanest and quietest electric
technologies available. An investment in a solar electric system
offers several benefits: • Reduces a municipality’s electric
bills because it will purchase less power from its utility
company • Further reduces a municipality’s electric bills
through net metering,1 which credits it for any surplus
electricity generated by its system • Stabilizes a
municipality’s electric costs once the upfront cost for the
system is purchased because energy from the sun is free. The
cost of generating electricity will not vary significantly
during the life of the system. • Benefits the environment
because solar electricity does not produce any emissions;
traditionally, electricity generation facilities are powered
with fossil fuels—i.e., coal, oil, natural gas—thus depleting
the earth of these resources. Solar electric systems should not
be confused with