On-Grid Wind and Solar Electric Systems

If your home or business is already connected to the grid:

     If your home is connected to the local utility power lines (as most are) or you are within reasonable range of power lines, this type of system is the most logical choice. To take advantage of net metering and incentives, a grid-tied system is the way to go.

All "grid-tied" means is that your system is interconnected with the local utility:

     When your wind or solar energy system is not producing electricity (during the evenings, extremely cloudy days or when the wind isn't blowing) you still have electricity which is supplied from the utility, (aka the "grid"). For safety and electrical load reasons, when the utility grid is down - so is your renewable energy system.

This means that you would not be protected from blackouts - we do supply systems that do protect you from blackouts or other potential power loss, click here for more information.

Below are diagrams of typical On-Grid Solar and Wind Energy systems, including the basic (and optional) components and configuration:

How it works:

     1) Sunlight hits the solar module then converts the light into electricity.
OR
     2) Wind strikes the turbine blades, turning the generator and turning this energy into electricity.
     3) This electricity travels through wires to the inverter, which takes the electricity from the solar module or wind generator (DC electricity) and converts it into the electricity your home needs to run your appliances, lighting, etc. (AC electricity)
     4) This AC electricity then travels to your standard utility breaker box, and is supplied to your net meter which then feeds the electricity both to your home and to the electrical utility grid.