A recent development in solar power is the partnership with local power utilities. It is now possible to install solar power systems which are grid-tied. Being grid-tied means that during the day when solar production is at its peak, the excess power that your system generates will flow back into the power grid. This will actually cause your power meter to run in reverse. During the dark hours when your system isn't producing, you can still draw power from the grid. The diagram below shows the components used in this system.

The grid-tied system allows you to avoid the costly battery systems that have often been the downfall of solar energy. By being connected to the power grid you can essentially sale the extra electricity you produce back to the power company. Each month that you produce more electricity than you consume, your power utility co. will credit you the excess power to be carried over for next month's use. At the end of the year it is possible to break even, meaning you pay nothing for electricity the entire year. This is called net zero, and it is one of your choices as we design a system for you.

You can choose to get started in solar energy with a small system to offset a portion of your electricity costs. Or you can choose to go net zero. Either way, You'll make a great investment, a difference for the environment and help to move alternative energy forward.