On- or Off-the-Grid Solar
Solar electric power systems can be independent, stand-alone systems or they can be connected to the local electric grid. A solar electric system that is connected to the grid may provide part of the home energy requirements, drawing from the grid during high demand periods or as a back-up source. A standalone solar electric system provides all the energy needed to power a home, usually in conjunction with a back-up generator and battery banks.
A net-zero energy or net-positive home meets or exceed its own energy needs, storing excess power during periods of high insolation or feeding the excess power back into the local grid. Contact us to discuss your options for on- or off-the-grid solar power systems.
About On-the-Grid Solar Power Systems
The most common type of residential solar power solution is an on-the-grid system, also known as a grid-tie system, where the home is connected to the local power grid. When a grid-tie solar PV system produces more energy than needed, the excess energy can be transmitted into the local utility grid. Essentially, the home becomes a generating node on the grid, feeding excess energy production into the grid, then drawing energy from it at night or any time demand exceeds production capacity. The homeowner is charged for the net energy used. If more energy is fed into the grid than is drawn out, the power company pays the homeowner. This type of arrangement is called “net metering.” The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia all have net metering laws that specify the requirements for meters, payments, and other parameters associated with selling energy using a grid-tie solar power system.
There are 4 main components to a grid-tie solar electric system:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
- Inverter
- Monitoring station
- Bi-directional electric meter
To discover if your home is a good candidate for a grid-tie solar electric system, contact us to request a solar evaluation of your home.
About Off-the-Grid Solar Power Systems
If you live in a rural area, you may not be able to tie into the local utility grid, or you may want a stand-alone solar power system. If this is the case, we’ll design and install a self-contained system that will efficiently meet your energy needs.
An off-the-grid solar electric system contains the following elements:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
- Charge controller
- Inverter
- Monitoring station
- Battery bank
- Back-up generator
Start Saving Energy Today
Regardless of whether you’re interested in an on the grid or off the grid solar power system, we have the experience and expertise to design and install a solar electric system that will meet your unique home energy needs. To start exploring your options contact us today to discuss your needs with an EDGE Energy expert.
