4 Great Reasons for Grid Tied Solar Panel Installation
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Solar panel systems have the option of being connected to the main utility or municipal energy grid. When the solar panels harvest energy from the sun and generate a direct electric current (DC), it is converted to an alternating current (AC) than can then be fed into your home or building’s main utility panel and the electricity can then be used.
Why should you use a grid tied solar panel system?
Grid tied solar panel installation has many benefits, such as lowering specific project costs and federal financial incentive eligibility. Let’s take a closer look at some reasons for choosing solar panels tied to the grid.
1. Lower Cost
Installing a grid tied solar panel system is a very cost-effective way to meet or even exceed residential or commercial energy needs. The utility grid covers any gaps in energy coverage occasioned by exceptionally bad weather or temporary problems with your system, saving you time and money (and anxiety). Additionally, grid-tied solar systems eliminate the need for batteries and create fewer maintenance or upkeep expenses.
2. Net Metering
Also, investing in grid tied solar panel installation allows for net metering, the process whereby utility companies credit their customers for any excess electricity generated by that customer’s solar PV system. When the system generates more energy than that customer needs, the extra is fed out to the grid, where other consumers can benefit from it. In return, the utility company will credit the solar PV system owner for the excess energy generated.
3. Easy Installment
A grid tied solar panel installation is easy to purchase and even easier to maintain. Installation only takes a couple of days for most jobs, and annual maintenance is as complicated as spraying the modules with an everyday garden hose.
4. State and Federal Incentives
Grid tied solar installations provide state and federal financial benefits. The federal government offers a 30% income tax credit for utilizing a grid-tied system. In some states and utilities, consumers can receive other financial benefits such as Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) and cost or production based rebates.
What will happen in a blackout?
One problem with having a grid tied solar system is that if a blackout should occur, all power will be lost for those using the same utility. During a blackout situation, the grid connected solar system relies on the back up safety feature that causes a shut down when no AC power is coming from the utility. The reason for this is to protect any electricians working on the power lines at the time. If the power were to continue running, the wires would be hot, thus making it nearly impossible for power line repairs to occur.
However, it is possible to purchase and utilize a backup battery system. If you are looking for a less expensive way to be energized while the grid is down, you may consider looking into a gas-powered generator. Assuming that blackouts do not occur on a frequent basis, the combination of grid tied system and back up generator is the most economical solution, while battery backup is more environmentally friendly and is easier to switch on when a blackout occurs.
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Source by Tyler Kessler