AN INTRODUCTION TO GIRD-TIED SOLAR ELECTRICITY FOR YOUR HOME

HOW A GRID-TIED SYSTEM WORKS

Energy from the sun strikes the photovoltaic (PV) panel and makes direct current (DC) energy.  An inverter converts the DC current into alternating current (AC) which is used to power your lights, outlets, and appliances.  As the solar electricity is produced, our electric meter will slow down and may even begin to spin backwards, depending on the size of the system installed.

When you enter into net energy metering agreement with HELCO/HECO/MECO, they will install a bidirectional meter to accurately measure how much electricity your system is producing. You will be credited for the electricity you sell back to the grid, either at the end of the month or the end of the year.

Keep in mind, if you produced more electricity than you used, you will be still be charged a nominal service fee by the utility company.

To read more about how Net Metering is calculated and billed in Hawaii, please visit DSIRE.

Courtesy of Energysavers.gov

If you would like to learn more about a grid-tied solar energy system for your home, please contact us