A solar grid-tie system allows a homeowner to generate and use his own solar power with the ability to supplement any additional power needs from the local electric utility. It's kind of like the best of both worlds - use as much of your own clean, renewable energy as you can, but if it's not enough, you're not left in the dark - your electric company fills the void.



With a solar grid-tie system, you have two basic options: with battery-backup or without. If you add battery-backup to a grid-tie system, you will be able to store any solar power you create but do not immediately use and then use that power later when you do need it.

Battery-backup Advantages and Disadvantages

There are two advantages to a battery-backup grid-tie system over one without:

* First, you will reduce your electric bill even more since you can use your stored power instead of power from the electric company.

* Second, you will always have power when there is a black-out, day or night.

The are also two main disadvantages to a battery-backup system over one without:

* First, you will have an additional cost of batteries, housing the batteries, and a charge controller.

* Second, routine maintenance is needed with the batteries; whereas grid-tie systems without battery-backup are relatively maintenance-free.

Flexibility

With a grid-tie system you also have the advantage of starting off small and growing your system as you get the time/money/desire. You can start off with just one solar panel (aka PV array) and build your home solar power system at your schedule. Or you may just want to stay at that one PV array. Obviously, the more PV arrays in your system, the more money you will save. But a grid-tie system allows you to expand your system at our own comfort level and pace.

Solar Net-Metering

In many states, a program called solar net-metering can be used with a solar grid-tie system. Net-metering allows the homeowner to effectively "sell" excess solar-generated power back to the local electric utility. When power is sold back to the utility, the electric meter will actually spin backwards, generating credit for your account. Then when you use power from your electric company it will run forwards, using up your credit.

Although net-metering is becoming more popular, it is not available everywhere. There may be some cities or counties in your area that participate in it, but not necessarily all utilities do. Also, the way that each state complies with net-metering differs. Some may require the utilities to "buy" solar-generated power at a competitive rate, while others do not. Some states make it very easy to join the program, others require lengthy paperwork and inspections.You definitely need to do some homework before deciding to participate in net-metering. Check your state legislation first and then with your local electric company.

Also, some states do NOT allow you to participate in net-metering if you are using a grid-tie system with battery-backup.

Bottom-Line

A solar grid-tie system offers great financial benefits for all who use it. It also lessens our country's dependence on foreign energy. And of course solar power is great for the earth - no environmental pollutants are involved with creating solar power.