Not connected to the grid solar power generation

Should I keep my solar energy system connected to the grid?

Even if you are away from home, you must keep your solar energy system connected to the grid. By staying connected, your system can send back excess electricity to the grid, and make some profit from your solar investment. When a solar panel is not connected, but still it is exposed to solar radiation, it will continue to produce electricity.

Why do solar panels need to be connected to the grid?

The simple answer is that remaining connected to the grid allows your home to draw additional power when solar panels can’t generate enough electricity, including nights and cloudy days.

Are solar panels integrated with the electricity grid?

The relationship between your solar system and the electricity grid determines whether you're a self-sustaining energy producer or you rely, at least partially, on public energy. Most solar panels are integrated with the grid, according to a 2015 study from the MIT Energy Initiative. Read on to learn about their differences.

What is a grid tied solar panel system?

When grid-tied, your solar panel system is connected to the grid via a bi-directional electricity meter. It measures the excess power you send to the grid when your solar panels produce more than you need, and the amount of energy you pull from the grid when your solar panel system doesn't generate enough.

Are solar panels off-grid?

If you are truly off-grid, you are not connected in any way to the local grid. That means there are no distribution wires from the power line to your home. You are entirely reliant on the electricity your solar panels produce to meet your energy needs, and there’s no backup in case of a power outage or other issue.

Can solar power go back into the grid?

At the same time, your home can also push additional power back into the grid when your home doesn’t need all of the electricity being generated, such as in the middle of a sunny day when everyone is away from the house. For most homes, your residential solar power system will probably be grid-tied, more commonly known as on-the-grid.