Residential Solar Electric (PV) Systems

Solar electric (PV) systems are increasingly popular for residences. Technological advances and global economic conditions are producing a situation where many homeowners are now able to consider adding a solar electric system to their home as a realistic option.

Here is a simplified overview of different types of solar electric systems:

Grid Tied. The vast majority of systems that are installed in residences are within a category know as "grid-tied", "grid interactive", or "utility interactive" systems.  That means that the residence can still draw on the electric service from the utility when the production from a solar electric array is either (a) not enough to service the household electric loads, or (b) not available (like at night).   Most grid tied systems have no storage capacity for electricity produced by a solar array that exceeds the current use or "load" of the home. For this reason, and others, grid-tied solar systems are something that most homeowners should consider as a way of supplement their electricity loads, rather than a way of becoming independent of utility service.

Off Grid. Solar electric systems that function without use of utility provided back up are generally termed "off grid" or "stand alone" systems. Off grid systems are more work to design than on-grid systems because the size and frequency of the loads impacts a number of factors in the sizing and pricing of a system.

Grid Tied with Battery Backup. The category of solar electric systems that are grid tied and have storage are usually referred to as "grid-tied with battery back up".

As a part of our Decent Energy Supply^sm offerings, we can provide you with any of these system types.