Solar panels collect sunlight, for free and convert it into electricity, but not the usable kind. An inverter will need to be installed which will convert this energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The use of efficient wires and cabling allows this AC electricity to flow to your meter, which will measure both the power your producing from your solar panels and the power your drawing from the grid. After the electricity flows through your meter, it will now be usable to power the appliances you need for your daily activities. Don’t stress that you may run out of power. You will still be connected to the grid and if you need to draw from it, you will be able to.