Everything you need to know about grid-connected solar systems

If you've been thinking about installing grid-connected solar, there are many reasons to start today, including:

Save money

Save the environment

Increase property value

Standardize or eliminate utility bills

Take advantage of tax credits and incentives

To achieve these universally attractive goals, you have a few main options -- installing a grid-connected solar system or an off-grid solar system. MOXIE mainly installs grid-connected solar systems.

We focus on saving money for our customers and providing you with reliable long-term investments.

In addition, our internal utility company contacts have found it more difficult for customers to obtain off-grid solar permit approvals when grid-connected options are available.

Fortunately, there are many practical and economic benefits to bringing your solar system online, and we've helped thousands of solar customers take advantage of them.

Read on to learn all about a grid-connected system and the main benefits of installing it for your home, business, or farm.

What is a grid-connected solar system?

First, let's determine exactly what a grid-connected solar system is.

The simplest definition of a grid-connected solar system is a solar system connected to a power grid. The system relies on this grid to generate usable solar energy and pool the excess energy for net metering, clean energy credits or later use.

It may seem counterintuitive to install a solar system that relies on the same energy grid you're trying to get off, but once you understand how a grid-connected solar system works and the benefits it provides, it makes more sense to go off-grid.

Three advantages of being connected to the grid

Let's jump right into the main advantages of grid-connected solar systems:

The initial cost of a grid-connected system is usually low. They do not require the special equipment required by off-grid systems.

You can take advantage of net metering (and SREC in some states). Save money while ensuring that your energy never goes to waste.

You have backup power and help improve the efficiency of the main grid during peak use times. (Note: This is useful if you just want to supplement your energy use with a low-cost solar system, or if you have a limit on how much solar can be installed on your property.)

Are there any disadvantages to grid-connected connections?

There are some potential limitations to consider when installing grid-connected solar.

If the main grid fails, your grid-connected system will shut down to prevent energy from entering the system and potentially harming utility workers (note: Adding backup batteries to your grid-connected system will enable you to still have power in these cases, see next paragraph)

Installing grid-connected solar may not be feasible in remote or undeveloped areas with no nearby power lines.

Another option: grid-connected with backup batteries

Adding one or more backup cells to a grid-connected solar system can reduce reliance on the grid without sacrificing the attractive money-saving advantages that these types of solar systems offer.

Keep in mind that you don't need a backup battery, since the main grid is essentially a giant battery. Installing a grid-connected system without your own personal backup battery not only saves you the initial capital, but also eliminates the need to maintain and replace the battery.

The benefits of having spare batteries

On the other hand, installing a grid-connected system with backup batteries can help prevent a complete loss of power in the event of an unexpected grid failure. Adding two backup Solar cells, such as a red-belt Grid Tied Solar System, can typically provide a home with up to 5-6 hours of additional power to offset scarce or non-existent energy. You'll be the only house on the block with the lights on!

No matter what type of solar system you choose, you can save on energy costs and increase the value of your home or land in the long run. Plus, the whole saving the planet thing is great too!

Simplify energy saving, maximize your solar investment, and secure backup energy using a grid-connected solar system with batteries.