Grid-Tied vs Battery Storage

Using grid-tied or connected solar PV power can have economic as well as environmental advantages. Where utility power is available, consumers can use a grid-connected PV system to supply most of the power they need and use utility-generated power at night and on very cloudy days.

PV systems reduce the amount of electricity that customers purchased each month and are “clean” energy souces as they consume no fuel and generate no pollution. Electricity generated by the PV system can be used on site or fed through a meter into the utility grid, referred to as reverse metering. When a home requires more electricity than the PV array is generating, the need is automatically met by the grid or utility power. When that home requires less electricity than the PV array is generating, the excess can often be fed (or sold) back to the utility through net metering, which is becoming more and more common throughout the nation. At the end of the month, a credit for electricity sold may be deducted from charges for electricity purchased.

For more information on grid-tied solar and an explanation of billing from CPS Energy please click here.

PV systems with batteries for storage are excellent for supplying electricity when and where you need it. These systems are especially suitable in areas where utility power is unavailable or utility line extensions would be too expensive. The ability to store PV-generated electrical energy makes the PV system a reliable source of electric power both day and night, rain or shine. PV/battery systems by connecting the photovoltaic modules to a battery, and the battery, in turn, to the load. During the day, the PV modules charge the battery, and then the battery supplies power to the load as needed. A simple electrical device called a charge controller keeps the batteries charged properly and helps prolong their life by protecting them from overcharging or from being completely drained. Contact us for a customized recommendation for your property.

Source: www.energy.gov