Grid-tied PV Systems

When a photovoltaic system is connected to the electric grid it is known as a grid-tied or net-metered PV system. Power companies are required by law to let a residential system connect to the grid. The grid-tied system can run your electric meter backwards, meaning your system is producing more energy than the house is consuming. When that happens, the utility will credit your account for the excess power your PV system sends -- offering substantial savings in your annual electric bill.

The NYSERDA incentive program requires that a home solar energy system be connected to the grid before any financial incentives will be paid. A stand-alone system that is off-grid will not be eligible to receive financial incentives.

The grid-tied system without battery backup is married to the grid. What this means is that the grid is your backup source of power. Should the grid go down, your system's inverter will be shut down, meaning your power will be out just like a regular (non-solar) home.

The majority of our residential customers opt to install grid-tied systems that have no battery backup. Why? First, the grid is very reliable and is not prone to extended outages. Second, batteries are expensive and not required by the NYSERDA incentive program.

For customers who want a solar energy system that can provide power in the event the grid goes down, the battery backup system is the right fit.