GreenBrilliance - Residential Solar Photovoltaic System
Solar Electric Systems: The three most common types of solar-electric systems that GreenBrilliance designs are grid-tied, grid-tied with battery backup, and off-grid (stand-alone). Each has distinct applications and component needs.
Products Details
Grid Intertied Solar-Electric Systems
Also known as on-grid, grid-tied, or utility interactive (UI), grid-tied solar-electric systems generate solar electricity and route it to the electric utility grid, offsetting a home’s or business’ electrical consumption and, in some instances, even turning the electric meter backwards.
Grid-Intertied Solar-Electric Systems with Battery Backup
Without a battery bank or generator backup for your grid intertied system, when a blackout occurs, your household will be in the dark, too. To keep some or all of your electric needs (or “loads”) like lights, a refrigerator, a well pump, or computer running even when utility power outages occur, many homeowners choose to install a grid-intertied system with battery backup.
Off-Grid Solar-Electric Systems
Although they are most common in remote locations without utility grid service, off-grid solar-electric systems can work anywhere. These systems operate independently from the grid to provide all of a household’s electricity. That means no electric bills and no blackouts—at least none caused by grid failures
How Does It Work?
Figure 1 shows a typical solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The solar panels each have an arrangement of PV cells that, when exposed to sunlight, produce electricity in the form of direct current (DC). This DC power is passed through an inverter, a device that converts the DC power into alternating current (AC), the power we all use for our household lighting and appliances.
Grid-Connected System
The system in Figure 1 is a grid-connected system. In such a system, if you are using less power than what your solar system is producing, excess power is transferred back to the utility grid. Many states in the U.S. has a law that allows renewable energy systems to sell excess power to the utility under the “net-metering” law.
Solar Modules
- Solar Modules
Solar modules mounted on the roof or grounds of your property convert sunlight into DC power. - Inverter
This power is sent to a device called an inverter (or power converter) which converts the DC power from the solar modules to AC power identical to that being sent to you from the utility grid. - Electrical Panel
Power travels from the inverter to your electrical service panel (your breaker box). The power from the electrical panel will be distributed to any electrical loads in your home. - Utility Meter
When excess power is produced by the solar, the power will flow into the grid through your electric meter. This will cause your meter to run backwards gaining you a credit with the utility company. - Utility Grid
The utility grid automatically provides electricity when needed – at night and during the day when your demand exceeds your solar production. - Net Metering
Net metering legislation states that the utility company must credit you at retail rates (the same rate they would have charged you).
System with Battery Backup
Figure 2 shows a system with battery backup. Using a battery backup allows you to store the electricity produced by your panels and use it when there is a power outage. We can design your battery for a pre-determined “number of days” of storage.
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