A standard home solar system consists of solar modules (i.e., “panels” on a roof or ground-mounted metal frame, wired via an inverter that converts the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC electricity, and connected to the main electrical panel of the household.
This method of installation is called “behind the meter,” because the device is connected to the wiring of the building, which is connected to an electrical meter that monitors electricity coming and going from the house. This allows the homeowner to use solar power to meet their needs and send the excess to the power grid, while at the same time drawing power from the grid when the sun is not shining.