You may have heard about solar panels and how they are a great alternative to traditional or fossil-fuel-backed energy sources, but you might not know that there are different types of systems for generating solar power. One type is the grid-tied solar system; learn more about this below.
What is a grid-tied solar system?
A grid-tied solar system is a type of solar panel system that is connected to the utility grid. This connection allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid and receive a credit on your utility bill. Grid-tied systems are ideal for homes and businesses that have a consistent electricity demand and are looking for ways to offset their energy costs.
How does a grid-tied solar system work?
A grid-tied system also allows you to use power from the grid when your system is not producing enough electricity. A grid-tied solar system typically consists of solar panels and an inverter. The solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into DC electricity. The inverter then converts the DC electricity into AC electricity, which can be used by your home or business. Any excess power that is produced by your system is sent back to the utility grid through a process called net metering.
Net metering is a program offered by many utilities that allows you to receive credit for any excess power that your system produces. When your system produces more power than you are using, the extra electricity flows back into the utility grid, and your meter spins backward. This energy offsetting results in a lower electric bill for you!
Advantages and disadvantages of a grid-tied solar system;
There are many advantages and disadvantages to having a grid-tied solar system. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you will have a backup power source in case of an emergency. If the power goes out, your solar panels will still be able to provide power to your home. Additionally, grid-tied systems are often less expensive than other types of solar systems since you do not need to purchase batteries or an inverter.
However, there are also some disadvantages to having a grid-tied system. One of the biggest is that if the power goes out, your solar panels will not work. Additionally, if you live in an area with frequent power outages, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a backup generator instead of a grid-tied system.
How to choose the right size solar power system for my home?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the size of your grid-tied solar system.
- What is your average monthly electricity consumption? You can find this on your most recent electricity bill.
- How much sun does your home get? This will affect how much solar power your system produces.
- What is your budget for a solar power system? The size of the system will affect the price.
- What are the building restrictions and requirements in your area? There may be limits on the size or type of solar system you can install.
- How much energy do you want to offset with solar power? A smaller system will offset a smaller amount of energy, while a larger system will offset more energy.
After you have answered these questions, you can start looking at different-sized systems from Mint Solar.
PV systems are a great way to offset energy costs, but there are a few things you need to know before making the switch to solar. With a grid-tied solar system, your home is still connected to the utility company and draws power from the grid when needed. This is opposed to off-grid solar, where your home is not connected to the utility company, and you rely solely on your solar panels for power. Grid-tie systems are less expensive and easier to maintain than off-grid systems, but they do require a reliable source of sunlight and clear weather in order for them to work effectively.