A Grid-tied solar power system is a power setup that is connected to the main grid and has no battery backup equipment. Grid-tied systems are the most commonly used systems these days despite the fact that many new battery technologies have evolved. There is a reason why homeowners consider this kind of system; this makes the electricity available to them all the time, even if the solar panels aren’t working effectively because of any reason. This kind of solar system is also known as a grid-connected or On-grid solar system.
Let’s take a look at how this system works, what are its benefits and why you should install it at your home or workplace.
What are Grid-Tied Solar Systems?
Grid-tied systems, just like any other solar system, use panels for generating power from sunlight. And since these systems cannot work in the absence of an electrical grid, households are always supplied with power. They can import it directly from the grid every time they need it. About solar panels, they must be installed at a place where they get enough exposure to sunlight, such as the roof. However, the backyard of your house may be an option if there is no problem in transporting between power grid and your home.
Take a look at why Starlight Solar grid-tied solar systems are different from other solar setups.
• They don’t need batteries!
Such systems are easier to install and handle because of the absence of batteries. Though it’s a disadvantage that, even if your solar panels generate more energy than expected, you can’t store it. But this is compensated by the import of power from the main grid. This makes the grid-tied solar system cheaper also.
• Grid-tied Inverters are used!
A solar inverter is mainly used to convert Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC). Since solar panels generate DC, which is susceptible to energy loss and cannot be used for homes. So, inverters are used to convert it to AC.
Grid-tied inverters are mainly installed to establish a connection with the main grid. The inverter works in a way that it supplies the power (generated by the panels) to your home first and then exports the excess power to the grid. So, this not only helps you meet your household power requirements but increases the savings as well.
How do Grid-tied Solar Systems Work?
Before moving towards the working of grid-tied systems, let’s see which equipment you are in need of to install such a system. The best part is that you don’t need much wiring or storage equipment, meaning that the installation is easy. The list of components you need for this system includes:
• Solar Panels
The most important part of the system, solar panels, must be there to convert sunlight into power. For a household, a 6.6kW solar system is suitable and will require around 14 panels. Racking is also needed to hold them in place.
• Wires
In order to conduct power from panels to inverter and then supply it to your home, wiring is needed.
• Inverter
Both your house and the grid need AC electricity, which is generated by inverter after taking DC electricity from solar panels. It also tends to manage energy flows to determine whether the generated amount of power is enough for your home or in excess.
• Net Meter
This meter keeps monitoring the power exchange between the home and the grid. If you don’t have one, you’ll be provided with it by the utility company once your solar system’s connection with the grid is established.
Working of Grid-tied Solar Systems
A grid-tied solar system is quite different from an off-grid system, where there is no power exchange between the grid and solar panels. The grid-tied system works in the presence of an electrical grid, in which the solar panels take sunlight and convert it to DC through a photovoltaic process. And to convert this DC into AC electricity, one of the three types of inverters is used. However, in the case of off-grid systems, batteries are used, and DC electricity is stored in them and then supplied to the inverter.
Net metering is also an essential part of this solar system as it lets the homeowners earn credits for each watt of excess power (produced by their panels) exported to the grid.
The working of grid-tied systems is also impacted by the seasons. For example, sun hours are more during the summer, and sunshine is quite plentiful. This makes the households export more power to the grid because of excess generation of it. But the case is the opposite for the winter season when days are short, the sun doesn’t come out for days and weeks, and the power usage also becomes high. So, you’ll ultimately import more power from the grid.
Cost to Install Grid-tied Solar System
The overall cost for an average household to install a grid-tied solar system ranges between $13,000 and $15,000, including the tax credit. However, most utility companies announced the price per watt, which is $3.00. But this also depends on the size of the system you’re going to install at your place, the state you’re living in and the quality of panels you’ve chosen.
A 6kW solar system is enough for an average household, costing around $12,500. But if your consumption is more, you can look for another size also.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels in Houston isn’t the only thing you need to do to get the required power for running different appliances at home. You’ve to take good care of the system as well, such as its cleaning and maintenance, in order to make them work efficiently. But before that, you must look for a reputable company that is an expert in grid-tied solar system installation and can give ideas about the changes you need to make to have an efficient system. And Starlight Solar is an installation expert and offers support services also. If you are interested in learning more please contact us at solareval@starlight.solar in order to get rid of increased electricity prices.