Grid-Tied Solar Panel Systems
Grid Tied Solar System Consultants in Virginia
Convenient Residential Solar Solution
The most common style of residential solar systems are grid tied solar systems. A grid tied solar system consists of solar panels, an inverter, and a power meter. This system type is an easy, cost-effective entry point for homeowners to begin their renewable energy journey.
Grid-Tied Solar System vs Off-Grid Solar System
Solar panels produce energy, and the next step is to figure out where this energy will go. Ideally, no energy would be wasted. Since solar panels produce more energy than needed during peak sunshine hours, and produce no energy during nighttime hours, an energy storage system is the best way to ensure that all of the solar energy being produced is being used.
A grid tied solar system is ideal because no solar power is ever wasted, but you also don’t have to invest in the initial outlay of solar batteries in order to store energy yourself. The power grid acts as large-scale battery storage.
An off-grid solar system is completely independent from the utility grid. Off-grid systems use battery banks to power their home and do not have the option to use grid power during periods of low solar production.
Benefits of Net Metering
A grid tied solar system first provides for your house’s energy needs, and then any excess solar energy is sent into the utility grid. A two-way meter measures the power you receive from the power grid during periods where your solar panels are not producing sufficient energy, and also measures the power you send into the utility grid. You receive credits for the power you give back, and this can reduce your energy bills dramatically, and you may even be paid for the excess energy your solar panels give to the grid.
This process is called “net metering” because it calculates the amount of power you used vs the power you have shared and the “net” is then the amount you are either charged or receive credits for.
Grid-Tied System with Battery Backup
Hybrid solar systems have the same components as a grid-tied solar system, but first the power produced will charge solar batteries at your home. During a blackout or power grid outage, you can draw from these battery banks, and run your solar system independent of the utility grid. Power conservation is still often necessary so you don’t run out of power before the batteries can be charged during peak sunshine hours, but it is a great way to power necessary electronic components even during blackouts.
How We Help
Our solar consultants can help go over the pros and cons of grid tied solar systems, off grid solar systems, and hybrid solar systems and provide advice on which is best for your home or business. We specialize in both residential solar systems and commercial solar panel setups. Whether you are interested in going off grid, or want to stay on grid and take advantage of net metering, we have answers for all your questions!
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Grid-Tied Solar System Options
Grid-Tied Solar Systems
A grid-tied system is the easiest way to go solar. By working with your utility company, you’ll be able to install solar panels without worrying about what to do with the surplus energy they produce. Excess power is sent into the electrical grid, and in this way your solar array both helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduces your electric bill, too. Because excess electricity is sent to your power company, it solves the question of energy storage. As well, grid-tied solar systems allow homes to stay on grid so they always have plenty of power no matter if the sun is shining. Grid tie solar kits and solar systems are a feasible entry point into solar power for many homeowners.
Hybrid Solar System
Hybrid solar systems are more expensive than grid-tied systems without battery backup, but hybrid solar systems provide peace of mind during power outages. Even if you have solar panels, during a blackout these will not be able to provide backup power to your home, because they need to be turned off while the utility company troubleshoots the problem. But if your solar panels have the option to feed into battery storage, then the solar panels can continue to power your home without concern about the electricity flowing into the grid. If you aren’t ready to add battery storage while installing your grid-tied system, it can be added later. Hybrid solar systems offer ultimate flexibility.