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Solar Grid Tie Systems
One of the conveniences of solar energy is the fact that people can use it without having to rely on the local power grid. However, many people have found that there are advantages to connecting to the grid. In these cases, solar grid tie systems are used.
Because having the grid tied to your solar energy can be an attractive option, many people are doing it. However, if the connection of the solar energy to the grid isn’t done correctly, serious problems and health risks could occur.
Because these risks exist, there are certain processes that should be followed and certain items that should be used to ensure safety and minimize risk.
Among other items, some of the things that can help keep things safe are:
• Surge protectors – The work that a surge protector does is simple, yet powerful. If something like lightning happens to hit a solar energy system or powerlines (in a system that is connected to a grid) that surge protector basically protects the system from experiencing major electrical problems at the moment as well as in the future.
• Grounding gear – The process of grounding is vitally important if you want to ensure the safety of your system and the safety of those who may come into contact with it. Grounding helps resist charges from natural occurrences like lightning as well as other kinds of electrical equipment complications.
• Safety disconnects – Those who have tied into a grid need to be able to disconnect from the grid from time to time when a maintenance issue presents itself. Being able to work on the system while it is not a part of the grid is vital for the safety of whoever might be working on it.
So, with all of the risk that is inherent with solar grid tie systems, some may wonder what anyone would even want to tie in to a grid. The answer to this question can be given in two words – net metering.
Net metering means a lot in the world of solar grid tie systems. Basically the practice of net metering is the process that includes electricity leaving the home and being transferred to the grid. This energy is then “purchased” by the electric company.
This is beneficial to those who have tied in to the grid because they receive credits back from the electric company which are applied to the homeowner’s monthly bill.
Also, tying into the grid is a wise idea because if there should be some kind of a problem with the solar system or if the solar system simply isn’t getting enough energy to function at a high level, energy can always be pulled from the grid as well as the system itself.
This all but eliminates the need for batteries and other kinds of back-up because the solar grid tie systems have all the back-up they need in the form of the grid itself.
Needless to say, people are required to check with their local power companies before this solar energy is tied into the grid. Often, these companies will have a specific person or department (depending on the company’s size) who has been trained to help homeowners learn and understand how to install solar grid tie systems.
If the information that is needed is not readily available from the power company, other sources of information include the state utilities commission, or the state energy office.
In general, as solar energy continues to grow, so will the demand for solar grid tie systems.
For more information on other forms of clean energy besides solar power, check out:
http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/renew.htm#solar
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