On-Grid Solar Systems

ON-GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS

A grid-tied system uses solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight. Excess power is exported to the utility grid, and similarly, when the household requires more power, those needs are met by imports from the grid.

Despite growing interest in battery technologies, most homeowners going solar today still opt for installing a grid-tied set up on their roofs.

So how do grid-tied solar systems work, and why are they so popular? More importantly, are they the right kind of system for you? Take an in-depth look at this system type which will help you answer those questions.

Key Takeaways

Grid-tied solar systems are the most popular type of renewable energy setup.
Grid-tied systems can make use of net metering, a process in which they export surplus power to the utility grid in return for bill credits.
Grid-tied solar systems have many advantages: they are the most cost-effective solar system type and are less prone to failure.
Hybrid and off-grid systems are also options, but grid-tied systems are the best choice for most homes.s

Power generation:

All photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems generate power by using solar panels to convert sunlight into DC electricity.

Panels installed onsite:

The solar panels need to be installed at a location with suitable sun exposure - either on the roof or as a ground mount system - and require wiring to transport electricity between the solar equipment, the home, and the power grid.

How grid-tied systems are different from other systems

They use grid-tie inverters:

Grid-tied solar systems require an inverter that can communicate with the grid; these are known as grid-tie inverters. The grid-tie inverter enables homes to not just import power from the utility, but the export of power to the utility as well.

No battery storage:

They don’t include any form of energy storage to store solar power. This makes grid-tied solar systems simpler to install, and cheaper.