Easy Home Solar Power | Solar Grid-Tie Systems: The Best of Both Worlds



Solar Grid-Tie Systems: The Best of Both Worlds

Do you want to start using solar power in your home but aren’t comfortable with unhooking from the electric utility and having an off-the-grid home? Then solar grid-tie systems are just what you’re looking for. A grid-tie system provides the benefit of generating and using your own solar power combined with the use of electricity from the grid when you need it.

With a solar grid-tie system, you decide how much of your electric power you want to be responsible for. Your home solar power system can supply electricity during the day, your electric company can supply the electricity needed during the night.

If you need more electricity than you are generating, your local electric utility provides what is needed.

If you are generating more solar power than you need, then you should look at either hooking up a battery bank to store your excess electricity, or see if solar net-metering is an option in your area. With net-metering, you effectively “sell” your excess electricity back to the utility company for a credit.

If you are staying with a solar grid-tie power system and using a battery bank, you should really investigate if it is feasible for you to actually have an off-the-grid home. If you live in an area that typically does not go days on end without sunshine, this may be a very viable and cost effective option.


With a solar grid-tie system you really do seem
to get the best of both worlds:
generate and use your own solar power and
get electricity from your local electric grid when you need it.