A grid-tie system combines the comfort of a grid connection and the power of solar electricity into one system. Grid-tie systems are designed to feed directly into your main electric box to reduce your use of electricity from the grid. If your solar system is producing more electricity than you are using, the system will even feed power back to the grid spinning your electric meter backwards, reducing your monthly bill.
Solar Module Array
A solar module is a glass sheet, enclosing either individual single-crystal or poly-crystal solar cells, sandwiched between the glass and a waterproof backing material, and edged with an aluminum mounting frame. Some solar modules are constructed using a non-glass glazing, over a metal back with no frame.
Charge Controller
Solar charge controllers serve as a voltage regulators to control battery charging by the solar array. This device provides several safety features including the prevention of overcharging the battery bank during peak sun output, and discharging the battery bank through the solar array at night.
Battery Bank (optional)
Energy storage and backup unit.
Inverter
An inverter’s job is to convert direct DC powered current from the batteries or solar module to alternating AC current to operate lights, appliances, etc. The inverter is the heart of the solar powered system.
In a grid tie system, the inverter converts the DC power from the modules into AC power that is fed into the local utility grid.
Cut-off switch
The Cut-off Switch, or kill switch, is a safety device that stops the power in case of an emergency or system malfunction.
Circuits
Where energy is passed through to circuitry of residence or structure
Surplus to Grid
If your solar system is producing more electricity than you are using, the system will even feed power back to the grid.This means that if you are producing more power than you are using, it will spin your electric meter backwards, reducing your monthly bill.
