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» Learn about Photovoltaics » Grid-tied » How Grid-tied PV Works
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How Grid-tied PV Works
When it comes to Grid-Tied systems, you can think of the electrical grid as your 100% efficient
storage battery. This perfectly efficient battery allows you to store excess power produced during
the day and use it at night when your system isn't producing power. We achieve this situation through
the use of annual
net-metering.
Net-metering is an agreement with your utility that allows you to
earn credits for the excess power that you produce during the day and then use those credits at a
later time. During the day, your solar system will typically produce much more electricity than
your home is using. This excess power is pushed back into the electrical grid for your neighbors to
use in their home. When this happens, your meter keeps track of the amount of kWh's you "sell" back to
the utility. Then, when the sun goes down, you draw back the credits that you built up during the day.
If you happen to produce more than you use in a certain month, the credits will carry to the next month.
Because your system is tied to the utility, you never have to worry about the solar providing enough
power for your home. If you are using more power than your solar system is providing, then the utility
seamlessly provides the extra power needed. All of this is accomplished automatically, you never have a
disruption in power and there are no manual switches. Also, because you are still tied to the utility,
you can start with a smaller system that may only produce a portion of your required electrical needs.
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