On-Grid:
What is a grid tied solar system?
A grid tied solar system is one that allows you to feed power into the grid and draw it back out as needed. The
system consists of three main parts: a solar array, a power inverter and a two way power meter (supplied by
the utility). Together, these three elements work to ensure a continuous flow of electricity into your home.
The solar array collects electricity from the sun during the day and feeds it into the power inverter to be
processed.
The power inverter takes the DC current that the solar panels generate and converts it into household AC
current. Then the inverter decides whether to feed the power into your house or into the grid based on how
much power you are using.
The two way power meter, allows electricity to flow into the grid when you generate more than you use and
back in to your house when you use more than you generate. The power meter also enables your electrical
utility company to rebate or credit you for the electricity that you feed back into the grid, thus lowering your
power bill.
What are the advantages of a Grid Tied Solar System?
Since grid tied systems use the power grid as storage, they do not require a battery bank which makes them
smaller,cheaper and easier to install and maintain than off grid systems. Since grid tied systems are supplied
by the local electrical utility, there is no need to have enough solar to cover all of your power usage. Initially a
small array can be purchased and then added to at a later date without any compromise in lifestyle.
Small footprint
Easy to install/service
Cheaper than off-grid
Easily upgraded
No lifestyle compromise
What is a Grid Tied Wind System?
A grid tied wind system captures energy from the wind and allows you to feed that power into the grid and draw
it back out as needed. The system consists of three main parts: a wind turbine, a power inverter and a two way
power meter (supplied by utility). Together, these three elements work to ensure a continuous flow of electricity
into your home.
The wind turbine captures energy from the wind by using a large propeller to turn an electric generator.
The power inverter takes the current that the wind generator and converts it to the proper house hold voltage
and frequency. Then the inverter decides whether to feed the power into your house or into the grid based on
how much power you are using.
The two way power meter, allows electricity to flow into the grid when you generate more than you use and back
in to your house when you use more than you generate. The power meter also enables your electrical utility
company to rebate or credit you for the electricity that you feed back into the grid, thus lowering your power bill.
For rural and suburban locations, a grid tied wind system is often the most financially feasible renewable power
small commercial power goal.