Quote:
Originally Posted by ah-kay
The house draws power from the panels, if it is not enough then it draws power from the grid. Meter goes forward. Conversely, if the panels generate too much power then it is fed to the grid, meter goes backwards. You offset what you used prior, hence net-metering. If you generate too much, then power company will pay you but NOT at retail rate.
Grid tied system needs battery or generator during blackout. Grid tied system is cheap, but adding battery will be very expensive. Get a quote from your 'Sale person' for system with battery ( or generator ) backup and decide for yourself. If the sale guy cannot explain what had been posted so far then get a different company who can.
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According to the people selling this stuff, not quite.
The panels do not power the house at all. They always send power to the grid. My house will only be powered by the grid.
You are correct about the net metering thing but here in TX it's 1:1. The rate they are selling is $.13 a kWh. I sell overage at $.13 and I buy at $.13. if I produce more then I use, I do not get surplus cash back but my electric bill will be zero.
The thing I don't get is that since the panels are sending power to the grid, why can't that post be diverted to my house when the power is out. There is a switch for the generator so that the grid does not get powered. Why not do the same for the solar?