Grid inverters
- also called
grid tie inverters,
grid connect inverters, grid feed inverters
and
grid interactive inverters,
are used in
solar energy systems
that are integrated with the grid. Like all inverters,
they
convert DC power to AC.
The Grid Feed Inverter takes the
solar electricity collected by
your
solar panel array and applies
it to the distribution panel in your home. The power
may then be used by loads within your home or it
may flow out to the utility grid. When there is
no solar energy available (eg. at night, or during
cloudy periods) the utility seamlessly provides
power to supply the loads in your home. The inverter
has to be matched with the wattage output of your
solar panels.
Grid feed inverters
are also designed to be used with
net
metering. This process (if available
in your area) allows you to sell energy to your
local energy supplier to alleviate your energy costs.They
do not use a battery bank and therefore they do
not give you any power back up in the event of a
grid power failure.
Grid Interactive or
Grid
Tie Inverters perform the same function
as grid feed inverters, however they allow power
to flow 'both ways'. They also incorporate a battery
bank and have an automatic built in charger. This
type of system gives you back up power in the event
that the grid fails or goes out of tolerance in
terms of its voltage and frequency.
If you are connected to normal utility company power
and just want to add some solar electricity to reduce
your electric bill, it is possible that a
Grid
Connect Power Inverter will suit your needs.
With a Grid Connect Power Inverter, whatever electricity
that your solar panels produce will reduce the amount
supplied by the utility company, in effect lowering
your bill. And, if you are producing more power
than you are using, you can actually sell the extra
power back to the utility company!
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