Does a Grid-Tie system need a battery?
Many Grid-Tie systems do not use batteries to store the electricity. Excess power from your solar panels flows back into the grid coming right off the meter; you will actually see your meter dials turning backwards. This system of subtracting self-produced power directly from the meter is called “net metering” and usually gives you the best value for “selling” your power back to the electric utility. Systems without batteries also need less maintenance and cost less to install. If, however, you want your system to be partly or fully self sustaining during black-outs and brown outs, a storage battery can be added to carry the load during such periods.
