Solar power grid-connected electricity meter installation

How do I connect solar panels to the grid?

To connect solar panels to the grid, you need to install a bi-directional meter on your home. This allows energy produced by your solar panels to be fed into the grid when you’re not using it, and for you to draw energy back from the grid when you need it.

What is a solar metering energy system?

A solar metering energy system is a system that uses the electrical grid to store the excess electricity produced by domestic or commercial solar panels. The electrical meter installed inside a house or any other commercial building records the power consumption. Thus, people only need to pay for the net energy consumed by them.

How does a utility meter connect to a solar panel?

There is an ALTERNATIVE UTILITY CONNECTION called a “Supply or Line Side" connection. This connection is made BEFORE the main breaker. A junction box is added between the utility meter and the main service panel. Then the wires from the utility meter, the main breaker panel, and the PV solar are connected in the junction box.

Do utility companies let solar panels connect to the grid?

Utility companies won't just let any solar energy system connect to their grid; they need to ensure that your solar energy system meets necessary electrical safety standards. They'll also ensure that your solar panel system will meet their respective net metering guidelines.

Should solar electric systems be connected to the power grid?

In the past, most homes with solar electric systems were not connected to the local utili-ty grid. It made sense to install solar electric systems in areas without easy assess to the power grid, where the option of extending a power line from the grid might cost tens of thousands of dollars.

How does a grid connected solar system work?

Grid-connected systems generally use a billing process called “net metering” or “net billing.” In this process, any energy generat-ed by the solar modules that your home does not use immediately is sent to the utility grid. However, when the solar electric system is producing less power than is needed, you can draw additional power from the grid.