Can You Put Solar Panels on Your House if It Is Connected to the Electric Grid?

Yes, one of the best arrangements for solar power installations is a grid-tied system. This setup allows you to benefit from both the power generated by your solar panels and the grid connection. Instead of storing all the power in large batteries, a grid-tied system enables you to sell any excess electricity to the grid when you're not using it, and buy from the grid when you're producing less than you need.

Local Code Compliance and Installation Permits

The vast majority of residential properties in populated areas use grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems. Compliance with local building and electrical codes is essential, but in most areas, there are not many restrictions preventing you from installing solar panels. These systems are a cost-effective way to save a significant portion of your electric bill, but they do come with some limitations and drawbacks.

Drawbacks and limitations of Grid-Tied Systems

Complete Dependence on the Grid

One of the major limitations of a grid-tied system is that you still rely entirely on the grid for power. There are two critical issues to consider: grid failures and self-sustained power during sunny days. When the grid goes down, your grid-tied PV system will automatically shut off. This means that even when there is full sunlight, you will have no power until the grid is restored.

Time of Use Billing and Reduced Net Energy Metering

In the past, solar panels made power when the sun was out, and the grid acted as an extended power system, balancing out your usage. During the midday, when solar production was high, excess power went to the grid, earning you credits. Conversely, at night, you would use power from the grid, offsetting those credits. However, as solar power has become more popular, time of use billing systems have been implemented.

In these systems, electricity costs more during the evening and less during the day when the sun is shining. This makes the net energy metering benefits less advantageous. For instance, after installing solar panels, you might find that your electric bill is more than half of what it was before, even if you only use one-third of the power.

Adding Hybrid Battery Backup for Grid Independence

To mitigate the drawbacks of a purely grid-tied system, many homeowners have opted for a hybrid system. This setup includes a hybrid battery inverter that stores extra energy produced during the day. At night, or during periods when solar power is insufficient, the stored energy is used to power your home. This approach can significantly reduce your electric bills, and if the grid goes down, your system can safely disconnect and continue running on battery power, though it can only support a few essential loads.

Cost Considerations and Benefits of Grid Tied with Hybrid Storage

While you will continue to be grid-tied for convenience, a small electric bill is incurred to keep the grid connection available. This cost is often justified by the reduced need for a generator, which is required in off-grid setups. Even with the reduced net energy metering benefits, a hybrid system can help you achieve complete self-sufficiency and substantial savings on your electricity costs.

Conclusion

A grid-tied solar power system is a viable and beneficial solution for residential installations, offering cost savings and reduced dependence on grid power. While there are limitations, such as the need for grid power during outages and changes in net energy metering policies, hybrid systems help to optimize the benefits of grid-tied solar installations.