Residential Solar Power: How Can Your Home Benefit From A Grid Tie System?

Solar energy is being looked upon as the most viable alternative source of electricity used to power homes. Recent developments in this technology have made it possible to install affordable residential solar power systems not only in homes that are off the power grid but also in residences located in cities and the suburbs.

Furthermore, through residential solar power systems, utility companies have come up with ways that help homeowners to lower their household utility costs. 

The grid tie system is one such way. Essentially, a solar-energy-powered home generates direct current (DC) electricity. This DC power is run through an inverter to transform it into alternating current (AC) energy. The AC power is then transmitted to the utility company's power grid. This is what they call as the grid tie system.

So, how can you benefit from a grid tie system? Considering that you will be supplying electrical power to the utility company's power grid, you are compensated. The compensation is usually in the form of "net metering." For example, every month your household feeds an equivalent of 300 kilowatt-hours of electrical power to the utility company's grid. From the same power grid, your household consumes 100 kilowatt-hours. The utility company will compensate you for the 200-kilowatt-hour difference. It would be as if your electric meter is running backwards!

In the United States, arrangements for the grid tie system are covered by special provisions in the National Electric Code. Throughout the rest of the world, there are 16 other countries that legally allow this type of electrical system, including Hungary, Japan, and Australia.

If you are interested in tapping your residential solar power into a grid tie system, there are certain components that you will need. The essential components include your residential solar panels, a combiner box, an inverter, a DC breaker box, and a grid disconnect. Setting up a grid tied system requires the services of a professional solar power system installer.