Solar Panels

The majority of the homes in the US are connected to the electricity grid, so it is most common for people wanting to include solar panels in their power system to want to integrate them into their grid system. A system like this can have batteries, but very often homeowners will forgo the batteries and just have their system grid-tied only.

For such a system, you will want the following components.

Solar Panel Collection:- Once you have assessed how much energy you wish to produce and how much of your monthly consumption you wish to offset, you will know how many panels to have in your collection.

Inverter:- Your solar panels will be creating DC which you will need to convert to AC in order that it can be used to run appliances in your home.

Breakers and Disconnect:- This will ensure that your system is completely safe and that any power surges will be dealt with without damaging your overall system.

In addition to the above mentioned components it is important the you have the following:-

Interconnection Agreement:- This is a legal document that you will receive from the utility company outlining in full details of your grid-tied system. This document will tell you how to tie your particular system into the grid and when you can expect them to inspect the system.

Net Metering:- This will allow you to sell your excess power back into the grid.

The Advantages of a Tie-Grid System

o These systems are easier to install than an off-grid system
o You don’t need batteries
o You can sell your excess power to the grid and offset your costs
o You can often get rebates through incentives for installing PV systems

The only disadvantage of this system is that it is only available to people who live on-grid.

Click this link for simple, easy to follow instruction on how to Build Solar Panels. If you want to know more about how my friend Jared and I are using alternative energy to run his old farmhouse in the South of France, then visit our blog on how to Build a Generator and read more.