Combined solar energy system
System Components: Photovoltaic panels (multiple panels form an array) Inverter(s) Required electrical safety equipment (e.g. fuses, breakers, hinges) Monitoring system to monitor energy production (optional)
Grid-tied systems are the most common type of solar PV system. Grid-tied systems are connected to the electrical grid, and allow building residents to use solar energy as well as electricity from the grid. Grid-tied systems do not need to produce 100% of a home or business’s electricity demand. When there is no demand for power, solar panels send excess electricity to the grid for use elsewhere. When a home or business uses energy, but the solar panels do not produce enough power (at night or on a windy day), electricity from the grid supplements or replaces electricity from the panels.