How grid connected solar panel systems work.
After speaking with many customers over this week, I noticed there is confusion with some solar / wind power shoppers about what the grid really means and how a grid connected solar photovoltaic (solar panel) system works for a home. So I decided to focus today’s post about some of the basics. According to Southern
“a large interconnection of both generation and transmission electrical subsystems
to facilitate efficient distribution of electricity to consumers and businesses.”
The grid is a network in which electricity gets consumed and produced, therefore a grid connected system turns your home into an electricity producing asset that shares extra power with the grid. With a grid connected solar panel system you send extra power back into the grid, and receive a credit from the utility company for every kWh (kilowatt hour) you contribute to the grid. The of US Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has created a good illustration of how a grid connected system works with a typical home.