When a solar power system is “grid-tied,” it means that it is connected to the local electrical grid operated by the utility company. This connection allows the solar system to interact with the grid, both receiving electricity from the grid when the solar panels are not producing enough power and sending excess electricity back to the grid when the panels generate more power than is being consumed.
The process of grid connection involves installing appropriate equipment such as inverters and meters that enable the bidirectional flow of electricity between the solar system and the grid. This allows the solar system owner to take advantage of net metering or feed-in tariff programs, where excess electricity can be credited or sold back to the utility.
Grid-tied solar systems are the most common type of solar installations, as they provide the benefits of clean energy generation while maintaining a reliable connection to the grid for power supply stability.
