About grid-tied solar systems

A grid-tied solar system creates energy from the sun and stores it in the utility grid. If you have access to the network, and your main concern is maximizing your investment, this is the best method. It has the lowest upfront price since  you don’t have to purchase batteries to store the energy  generated. The grid stores it for you. During peak hours, you may generate more electricity than you need to power your home. In most states, you can sell this excess power to the utility company, which stretches the value of your investment even further.
 

Advantages: 
 
1. Saves more money with net metering: A grid-connection permits you to save more money with  panels through improved efficiency rates, net metering, plus lower equipment and installation costs: Batteries, and other stand-alone equipment, are needed for a  functional off-grid solar system and add to costs and maintenance. Grid-tied  systems are more economical and straightforward to install. The panels creates more electricity than consumed. With net metering, homeowners put excess electricity into the grid instead of storing it with batteries. Net metering plays a  role in how clean energy is incentivized. Utility firms purchase electricity from homeowners at the same rate they sell it themselves.
 
2. Utility grid is a virtual battery: Electricity has to be spent in real time. It  can be temporarily stored as other forms but  comes with   losses. More electricity  and money  goes to waste with conventional battery systems. Another perk of being grid-tied is access to backup energy from the network and reduce  the utility’s peak load. 
 

Equipment for Grid-Tied Solar Systems

Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI) or Micro-Inverters
Power Meter
 
Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI)
The inverter  regulate the voltage and current received from the panels. Direct current (DC) from your panels is converted into alternating current (AC). This is a current that’s used by most electrical appliances.They synchronize the phase and frequency to fit the utility grid. The output voltage is  adjusted  for excess electricity to flow outwards to the network.
 
Micro-Inverters
Micro-inverters go on the back of each solar panel, more expensive, yet yield higher efficiency rates. 
 
Power Meter
Most homeowners need to substitute their current power meter with one that’s  compatible with net metering. It’s called a net meter or a two-way meter, is capable of measuring energy in both directions, from the grid to your house and vice versa. Check with your local utility company to view what net metering options. Some   utility companies issue a power meter for free and pay full price for the electricity you generate. 
 
Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save. Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.