Grid Share Power Plant
What is a "grid-tie" system?
A "grid-tie" solar system is the most common method of installing a residential solar power system. Grid-tie systems are connected to the main power grid and are designed to sell power back to the utility company. In an arrangement known widely
as "net metering", homeowners get paid for the electricity they generate in excess of what they use. This means that a system that produces 115% of a homeowner's
annual electricity needs, the electric utility will pay for the extra 15% that was produced by the system.
Homeowners often not only completely eliminate their electric utility bill but they may actually realize a net profit. Net-metering works only on "grid-tie" solar or wind power systems. Because you must be connected to the utility grid, off-grid power systems are not compatible to net-metering programs. These systems can be designed offset any percentage of your kilowatt-hour utility usage.
SOLAR PANELS -
Solar panels collect molecules of sunshine, which are little packets of energy, and convert them into an electric current.
DC to AC Inverter -
DC to AC inverters convert the DC current generated by a solar panel into AC current that can be used to power appliances in your home.
Electrical Distribution Panel -
This is the panel that feeds all of the homes circuits.
AC Loads - Once your solar panels have converted the Sun's light into an electric current and that current has been converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), it can then be used to power your lights and appliances.
Electric Meter -
Your home solar power system can actually cause your electric meter to spin backwards as it feeds the electricity it generates into the main power grid and you earn credit on your electric bill.
Main Power Grid -
Once electricity generated by your residential solar power system is directed onto the power grid, it can then be used by someone else and adds to the overall total of kilowatt hours produced by a clean and renewable energy source - the Sun!
With advances in modern technology and manufacturing processes, combined with the passive nature of solar power systems, like no moving parts and warranties that typically go up to 25 years on panels, you can be sure that the majority of the system you are installing will give you years and years of trouble free service. Additionally, recent changes in solar power technology have increased the efficiency of residential grid tie solar systems to upwards of 15 percent. Just a few short years ago you could count on only 10-12 percent.
To make things even more attractive, manufacturers offer complete grid tie solar kits for the ambitious do-it-yourself types, providing a way to save even more money. These kits typically include the following:
