Grid-Tie Solar Power Systems

Grid-Tie Solar Power Systems

"Grid-tied" residential solar power systems connect directly into your electric company's power grid. During the day, your solar power system is generating electricity that is directed onto the main grid, sort of like a small power station.

Then at night, you simply draw whatever power you need right back off the grid. The electricity you generated (or saved) during the day for others to use will be paid back to you in the evenings when lighting and other electrical loads are needed.

If your system is of sufficient size and produces more power during the day than you use in the evenings, you may actually end up with a surplus of electricity. In this case, many electric companies offer a program which is commonly known as "net metering" wherein, if your system produces more than you use, you will be paid a pre-determined amount of money for each kilowatt hour your system produces. Yes! You could actually get a check from your power company instead of sending them one!