How does a Grid-Tied Solar Electric system work?

How does a Grid-Tied Solar Electric system work?

A grid tied solar electric system is comprised of three main parts; the utility grid, the solar array, and the home/business AC power loads. Follow along in the diagram below as the parts are explained. The solar array generates high voltage DC electric power. This power is put through an inverter that changes it to AC power. During operation the power goes to the home/business AC power loads and any extra is put back onto the grid. An AC disconnect is put between the inverter and the circuit breaker to allow the PV system to be easily disconnected by the utility company for maintenance. During the day, when the solar produces more power than the home/business uses, the power travels back to the grid. As it travels back to the grid it goes through your power meter and spins it backwards. At night or when the solar power does not meet the demand of the home/business, power is simply drawn from the grid turning your power meter forwards. The utility company will pay for any power that was put back onto the grid. The utility company will pay you with the same price rate that you pay them.  A common misconception with grid-tied solar is that when the utility power is ‘out’, the solar home or business will still have power. This is almost never the case, as additional expensive equipment would be necessary to prevent the power from traveling back out to power the neighborhood. When the utility power goes out, the inverter will shut down to prevent an overload.

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