What is a grid-tied system?
Grid tied systems do not use batteries at all! The panels work by producing DC power during sunlight hours, converting it to AC power through the inverter. The inverter then feeds the loads required by the Building, before pushing the AC power out to the grid through the “net meter”. The net meter is provided by your utility company when you install the system. The net meter is a bi-directional electric meter that spins forward as usual when you are using more power in your home than you are producing with your panels (at night, for instance), and spins BACKWARD when you are producing more with your system than you are using in your Business. This is how you generate credits with your utility!
The term refers to the direct connection of a solar generator to your utility grid. Unless the option of backup power is included, there are no batteries involved. All electricity generated by the system is used immediately, rather than being stored. (Please note that battery backup systems are not covered under the microFIT program).
