Residents install solar power generation and connect to the grid

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.

Are solar-powered homes connected to the local utility grid?

In recent years, however, the number of solar-powered homes connected to the local utility grid has increased dramatically. These “grid-connected” buildings have solar elec-tric panels or “modules” that provide some or even most of their power, while still being connected to the local utility.

Can a solar panel system be installed off the grid?

While installing an off-grid solar panel system and avoiding the interconnection process entirely is possible, it's often not cost-effective. For the average residential property, going "off the grid" with solar power requires several solar batteries to store energy.

What is a grid-connected home?

These “grid-connected” buildings have solar elec-tric panels or “modules” that provide some or even most of their power, while still being connected to the local utility. Owners of grid-connected homes can choose to supply a portion of their energy with solar energy, using the utility for power during the night or on cloudy days.

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.

Do you get a monthly bill if you have a grid-connected solar system?

If you choose to have a grid-connected solar electric system, and your system pro-duces enough energy in any given month so that you do not have to draw from the grid, you may still receive a small monthly bill. This is because many utilities charge monthly fees for meter reading.