Most people know that if you are willing to invest in solar or wind power for your home, the long term savings can equate to many times more than the initial cost, spanning the life of the equipment. Not many people know, however, that you can actually accelerate that process by generating more energy than you use and selling the excess back to the utility company. This is made possible by connecting a solar panel or wind turbine system to a power inverter, which is tied directly into the power grid.
Using a power inverter allows you to power your home directly from solar panels or a wind turbine when the sun in shining or the wind is blowing, while still maintaining the ability to pull electricity the conventional way, from the power grid, when there is insufficient sun or wind. All this is done seamlessly by the inverter without any additional monitoring or participation by the homeowner. This type of configuration is aptly called a "grid-tie" system. These systems are relatively easy to install, and while you have the option to incorporate a battery back-up system for emergency situations and blackouts, a battery is not required, which reduces the need for added maintenance and battery replacement.
The practice of buying and selling electricity at an equal retail rate is known as "net-metering" and it is the simplest way to setup a grid-tie system. Net metering uses only one electricity kWh usage meter, and it is allowed to spin in either direction depending on if you are buying or selling energy. For example, if you were to go on vacation for a week (and you remember to turn off all your appliances) all the power you generate for the entire week will feed back into the electrical grid, making your electrical meter spin BACKWARDS!
The greatest feature of a grid-tie system is the fact that it is modular. If you determine that in order to generate 100% of your home energy needs, you would need to install a $20,000 solar system, you don't necessarily have to do it all at once. In fact you can break the cost up into "installments" by adding only a few panels at a time. Every new component you add, no matter how big or small, will move you one step closer to energy independence, and contributes to creating a cleaner environment.
Whether you choose to go solar, wind, or both, you can find everything you need to convert your home to clean, renewable energy at www.greenenergyprod.com We carry everything from name brand solar panels and small wind turbines to complete off grid and grid-tie systems. Click on the link below in the featured products area to find out more details.
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