What To Do To Ensure That Your Grid Tie Solar Inverter Will Work As Advertised
Uncover tips that will help you to ensure that your
grid tie solar inverter works successfully.
Solar Power Systems Are Becoming Very Popular
Residential solar power systems are a reasonably popular home improvement, and due to residential solar energy credit, they're likelier to become more popular over the next few years.
These systems consist of a set of solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity, a set of batteries to store power in, and an inverter - something that converts your DC solar power (or DC power in batteries) to AC power to run your refrigerator.
Net Metering And The Role Of The Grid Tie Solar Inverter
In many municipalities, you can sell excess power you generate from your solar power plant to your electric utility company.
This is sometimes called net metering.
If you have residential net metering, then you don't actually need batteries for your solar power set up, but you do need a grid tie solar inverter.
- Residential net metering means that whenever you generate electricity, the utility company credits your bill with the electricity you generate at the same rate that you buy electricity.
- Some utilities have wholesale net metering, where the utility company buys the electricity at the wholesale rate - which is about 20% of what you pay for it as a consumer)
Why The Grid Tie Power Inverter Is Important For Net Metering
In order to sell your power to the utility company, it has to be AC power, and the AC power has to be fairly 'clean' when it goes out on the grid.
The Grid Tie Power Inverter Is Like A Surge Processor
You know how you have a surge suppressor for your computer to plug into?
- Same thing applies when sending AC power to the electrical grid; your utility company wants a nice, smooth power flow when power is being delivered back to them.
- This means you're going to have to use grid tie inverters that are tailored to specific uses and functions.
If You're Lucky, Your Local Utility Company Will Provide The Inverter
If you're lucky, your local utility company will provide the grid tie inverter for you when you sign up for net electric metering.
- If you're not lucky, you'll have to figure out which grid tie solar inverter will work best.
Sometimes, your utility company, or your electrical contractor will have some inside knowledge to pass on.
- Be sure to talk to your utility company about specific recommendations and regulations in your area.
Setting Up Your Solar Power System To Work With A Grid Tie Power Inverter
When setting up your solar power system, remember that your actual layout of components has to comply with local electrical codes.
- Your grid tie power inverter, like any power conversion device, needs to be kept out of the wind and rain (it will usually be inside your house).
- Your grid tie inverter will also need adequate ventilation because inventers deals with high voltage current, and it can get quite hot.
- Your grid tie power inverter also needs clearance from your roof to work properly.
Making The Grid Tie Power Inverter Work - The Bottom-Line
It's worth a fair bit of your time to investigate what works.
Take the time to understand what is appropriate for your metro area and local public utilities commission before putting your grid tie solar inverter system to work.
Here's to finding a way to bring more solar power into your family!
P.S. Here's a few more tips to help your solar power projects go smoothly...
DIY Solar Energy - 6 Key Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Inspection |
