The 3 Basic Types of Solar Power Installation
We will briefly explain the 3 types of solar power installions. For additional information, please request a free consultation.
Grid-Tie Solar
When the sun is out, most homes with solar panels will generate more power than they consume. When this is the case, the excess electricity will flow into the utility power grid and your electric meter will measure the amount of energy sent back the to grid! Depending on your provider, you may be credited for this excess energy production, as your electric provider will actually pay you for the electricity produced by your solar power system. This is called net metering. At night, your home’s electricity will function normally, as you will be using electricity from the utility grid to power your home. In some cases, homeowners will add a battery to their solar power system. The added bit of battery can further help reduce electricity costs and can power the home during a utility grid black out.
Off-Grid Solar
Off-grid solar systems make it possible to generate electricity away from the power grid. Whether this is a simple light post on your property or the main source of energy for your off-grid cabin, off-grid solar systems bring renewable electricity without a power bill.
Hybrid Solar
An increasingly popular option is installing a grid-tie solar system with a battery backup called hybrid solar. This complex system allows for the excess energy produced by the solar panels to be stored in a battery for later use. When the battery has reached its capacity, you can sell the energy back into the grid, as you would in a normal grid-tie solar system. We hope this page has helped you understand how solar power works. If you are not sure what kind of solar power is best for you, you can contact one of our solar pros for a free consultation for your solar power system.
