GRID TIE SOLAR
Which Grid Tie System is Right for You?
Each grid-tied solar option has its advantages depending on your energy needs, budget, and goals. Whether you want to lower electricity costs, gain energy independence, or ensure backup power, we can help you choose the best system for your home.
Here, we briefly describe each type of grid tie solar; Basic Net Metering, Net Metering with Backup, Battery Backup only, and Behind-The-Meter.
BASIC NET METERING
With a net metering system, excess solar energy is sent to the grid, and you receive credits for the surplus power. These credits can offset electricity costs when your panels aren’t generating power, such as at night or on cloudy days. This is one of the most cost-effective options for maximizing energy savings while staying connected to the grid.
How Net Metering works ...
These systems are designed to generate power enough to offset your power usage and therefore reducing your power purchases to nearly zero.
A smart smart bi-directional meter tracks the electricity your home draws from the grid and the excess solar energy sent back to the grid.
When your solar panels produced more power than you use, the excess energy is exported to the grid, earning you on-bill kWh credits. The credits you earned are then applied to your next billing cycle. The credits remain in your account for a year from the date it starts accumulating.
Net Metering is your best option if your goal is to generate as much power as you consume, and minimize electricity bill to the lowest possible amount.
This type of system does not operate during power outage. If you wish to have backup power, consider the Net Metering with Battery Backup.
BATTERY BACKUP ONLY
This system replaces the use of generator as backup. It provides backup power during outages, ensuring energy security while still using grid power when needed. This option is ideal for areas with frequent blackouts or for homeowners seeking energy independence.
How battery backup works
This setup does not include solar panels. Instead, the batteries are charged using electricity from the grid. Depending on the type of inverter, battery power is typically used only during a power outage.
However, if a programmable inverter is installed, the system can be set to use battery power up to a specified percentage during the day and recharge at night when electricity rates are lower, helping to reduce energy costs.
Net Metering with Battery Backup
A net metering system with battery backup combines the benefits of solar credits with energy storage. During the day, your solar panels power your home and charge the battery. Excess energy is sent to the grid in exchange for credits. At night or during power outages, the battery provides backup power, ensuring energy security while reducing dependence on the utility grid.
How Net Metering with Backup works
In this setup, the solar system functions as a seamless backup power source, instantly providing electricity when the grid goes down. Battery is charged by solar and once fully charged, any excess solar power is used to run essential loads through the inverter during an outage, replacing the power that would normally come from the grid. Over time, this helps offset your electricity costs.
The system reduces energy costs and eventually pays for itself. During an outage, solar continues to recharge the battery, allowing the system to run longer. It can also charge during off-peak hours and discharge during peak hours, further reducing costs.
Depending on battery capacity, this system can provide an average home with 3+ days of backup power for critical loads.
BEHIND-THE-METER
A behind-the-meter solar system generates electricity for on-site use without exporting excess energy to the grid. This means you consume the power your solar panels produce first, reducing the amount of electricity drawn from the grid. While you won’t earn credits for surplus energy, this setup still lowers your utility bills and provides a reliable source of renewable energy.
How Behind-The-Meter Works
Behind-the-meter (BTM) refers to a solar energy system installed on-site, typically at a home or business, that generates electricity for direct use.
This setup allows the property owner to reduce reliance on the utility, lower electricity bills, and store surplus energy in a battery storage. Unlike utility-scale solar, BTM systems operate independently, benefiting the user first before interacting with the grid or pull power from the grid.
This particular system qualifies to get a rebate from Home Renovation Savings program if installed on roof.