How it works | System Types

Grid-Tie PV System

A Grid-Tie, or grid-connected PV system is an array of solar panels connected via an inverter to provide power for your home, with excess production feeding into the utility grid. At night when the solar panels are not producing electricity, the power for your home comes to you from the grid. If you export enough electricity during the day it will balance or exceed the amount you draw at night.

In essence, the grid is used as a 'battery'. The benefits of using this system over traditional batteries, are that the grid is 100% efficient at returning the power you put in. A traditional deep cycle battery bank will only return about 90% when brand new and the efficiency will lower after each year of use.

In addition to the raised efficiency, this system type generates more power for similar investment because the unnecessary battery expense can be put towards more solar panels.

A Grid-Tie System can also use a wind generator if suitable conditions apply.

For more information about any components in our systems, please check out the descriptions of System Components in the menu to the right.