Using Residential Solar Power “On” or “Off” The Grid
When we refer to solar energy for home use, we are differentiating it from the solar power used by commercial enterprises or the electricity derived from solar power which can be purchased by customers. When you think about residential solar power, there are two possible types that are solar power that is 'off grid' and that which is known as 'grid tied,' or which is also known as net metering.
Off Grid
Solar energy generated at a home is not the same as the electricity produced by a utility company and supplied through the grid. For this kind of solar energy, power lines do not run to a house but batteries are needed for back-up power storage to cover those hours when there is no sunlight. In the daytime however, the photovoltaic array can store the excess energy in the batteries which is then turned into electricity and given off into the system through the batteries.
In the off grid type of residential solar power systems, there is also need to have a generator which is useful when there is no sunshine as it helps in charging up the batteries rather than use the power from the sun.
Grid Tied
There is another classification of solar energy, which is grid tied or a net metering system; and, this type uses power lines to bring electricity from a utility company without the need for storage batteries. When the sun is out, the electric meter actually spins in a backward direction, while when the sun has gone down, or when there is a pressing need for solar power, the meter spins in the forward direction. This form of residential solar power is administered in a manner quite different from one electric utility company to another with each using its own set of rules and regulations.
There is a lot to recommend using residential solar power in either form since it is a means to get energy that is not only long term, but which is also renewable, and with it, you don’t have to depend any longer on your utility company, and you are also not dependent on foreign governments, and best of all, you don’t need to pay for it. There no doubts that residential solar power is the way to go.
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