Grid-Tied PV Solar Panel System
GRID TIED SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM – FEATURES
- Solar Panels are fixed to the roof. They then separate the electrons from the photons using the photoelectric effect. Then the electrons are readily available to be used as electricity. However, the electricity is in the form of direct current or DC electricity.
- Electricity Conversion. DC electricity is an electrical current that DC batteries and automobiles use. However, your home and the electrical grid use alternating Current or AC electricity. Therefore the electricity needs to be converted from DC electricity to AC electricity.
- The Inverter is connected to your electrical box using a 220v AC output and also connected to the grid with a special Net Meter installed by your local power company.
- The electricity that is fed to the grid is monitored by a special meter that the electric company will install. This meter will monitor electricity pumped into the grid as well as electricity used by the grid. This process is called Net Metering.
GRID TIED SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM – DISADVANTAGES
- No power production during a power outage. One of the points in the Net Metering agreement with your local power company is that when there is a power outage they control an emergency shut off switch which will temporarily disconnect your PV solar panel system from the grid. There is one Inverter manufacturer that offers a switch to disconnect from the grid and continue to use the solar power generated for your home or business. This photovoltaic inverter is called the Sunny Boy.
- You are subjected to an electrical grid connection fee. All power company customers are subjected to this fee if they utilize solar energy or not.
Two Types of Solar Panels
MONO-CRYSTALLINE SOLAR PANELS
POLYCRYSTALLINE SOLAR PANELS
