Solar homes have a bi-directional meter that allows electricity to flow both to and from the grid. During daylight hours, if your solar panels produce more energy than you need, it’s sent back to the grid and used by your neighbors. At night, when your panels aren’t producing power, you pull energy from the grid.
Grid-Tied Solar: What is it?
How does it work?
Grid-tied solar allows solar producers to maintain continual access to power - day or night - because the home remains connected to the electric grid. With grid-tied solar, batteries are not required and you can benefit from net-metering.
The Basics
About Net Metering
Net-metering is the policy that requires utility companies to credit you for the power you provide to the grid. If you make more power than you use, you’ll have a credit on your bill. If you use more than you make, you’ll pay the difference.
Battery Backup
Batteries are not required with grid-tied solar. But with an optional battery backup, if a power outage occurs, your batteries will supply energy to all or parts of your home.