grid tied solar
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Grid-Tied Solar
Get the best of both worlds when you add Solar to your existing utility service
Design
Installation
Interconnection
With the ever-increasing price of utility power and solar equipment becoming more efficient and affordable, grid-tied solar remains in high demand. At Greenwired, we understand that navigating the different types of products, financing, and installation methods can be challenging and confusing to home and business owners.
With over 30 years of combined experience, our staff will take you on the road to solar efficiency and success through your system’s design and installation to system sign-off and interconnection. Be sure to view our portfolio of projects, from small high-efficiency homes to large commercial installations and micro-grids.
Ready to join the Solar Revolution?
Check out our Grid-Tied Calculator to get an estimate of the cost and find out how much you could be saving on your monthly utility bill!
How does Grid-Tied Solar work?
Grid-tied solar panel systems work in concert with the established electric grid. These systems work well when you have the convenience of a nearby utility grid power and want to tap into renewable energy sources.
Simple grid-tied systems require no costly batteries for storage and are easily installed, making solar power a simple, economical, and ecological investment.
A change in wiring or appliances in your home or business is not needed for a grid-tie solar array. The system requires a solar array on your roof or somewhere nearby, in direct sunlight, and an inverter that will allow it to interface with the utility grid.
By interfacing the system with the utility grid, you will either supply power to your home if you need it or push your meter backward to use the energy later. Saving money while saving the planet by producing your power is a win-win.
(And if you’re not sure what any of that means, contact us!)
How does Grid-Tied Solar work?
Grid-tied solar panel systems work in concert with the established electric grid. These systems work well when you have the convenience of a nearby utility grid power and want to tap into renewable energy sources.
Simple grid-tied systems require no costly batteries for storage and are easily installed, making solar power a simple, economical, and ecological investment.
A change in wiring or appliances in your home or business is not needed for a grid-tie solar array. The system requires a solar array on your roof or somewhere nearby, in direct sunlight, and an inverter that will allow it to interface with the utility grid.
By interfacing the system with the utility grid, you will either supply power to your home if you need it or push your meter backward to use the energy later. Saving money while saving the planet by producing your power is a win-win.
(And if you’re not sure what any of that means, contact us!)
But what if the power goes out at night, or during a storm?
By adding batteries to your grid-tied solar system, we can power your home without relying on the electric grid.
This way, when the power goes out, you still have power.
There is added cost and complexity to combining batteries to a grid-tied system. However, it allows system owners the confidence to know that whatever happens, they will still be able to keep the lights on with or without the utility grid by using the sun’s energy.
Do you already have a grid-tied solar system and want to add battery backup to be prepared for the next power outage? No problem. By working with your grid-tied system, Greenwired can add a battery bank by adding batteries and a battery-based inverter.
But what if the power goes out at night, or during a storm?
By adding batteries to your grid-tied solar system, we can power your home without relying on the electric grid.
This way, when the power goes out, you still have power.
There is added cost and complexity to combining batteries to a grid-tied system. However, it allows system owners the confidence to know that whatever happens, they will still be able to keep the lights on with or without the utility grid by using the sun’s energy.
Do you already have a grid-tied solar system and want to add battery backup to be prepared for the next power outage? No problem. By working with your grid-tied system, Greenwired can add a battery bank by adding batteries and a battery-based inverter.
grid tied solar
Things to consider for a battery backup system
Choose which “loads” you want to run when the utility goes down.
Be selective and choose only the things you will need during the power outage. Outages often happen during storms when there is little solar power coming onto the system, so we need to rely on limited battery storage. During these times, it’s best not to waste stored energy!
Greenwired Recommends:
- Power for the heating system: (Fans, pumps, and controls) to keep the heat on.
- General lighting: Choose a few lights in your home or business that will keep the space lit through the storm.
- Refrigeration: Keep the fridge and freezer on to keep your food fresh.
- A few standard power outlets: For charging cell phones, keeping radios or TVs on (for public safety announcements), and other emergency appliances.
- Health equipment: Power for any essential health equipment (oxygen machines, etc.)
- Security systems: Keep your home and family safe when the power goes down.
We recommend at least 12 hrs.
Hire a licensed electrician to set up a critical loads panel and connect the AC coupled inverter system to your home.
Enjoy the confidence of knowing you have power when the grid fails.
How much does it cost?
Paying for your system
You’ll pay the upfront cost of your system and pay $0 for the electricity produced from your system, saving money every month.
Keep in mind you will get a 26% federal tax credit applied to your income taxes (available through 2019). Return on investment (ROI) for a system calculated at 25 years can range from 8 to 12% (ROI varies depending on the customer and their usage).
By partnering with a financial institution (yours or one recommended by Greenwired), you can borrow the total cost of the solar system at a rate between 3 to 6%.
You still receive the 26% federal tax credit applied to your income taxes, and you receive an ROI for a system calculated at 25 years that can range from 8 to 12% (ROI varies depending on the customer and their usage).
Greenwired is proud to partner with Ygrene Works, offering no money down, 100% PACE financing for your solar project.