| The term residential solar power is applied to solar | | | | grid solar power system. If the sun is not shining for |
| power used in homes. Commercial solar power would | | | | several days then the generator can charge the |
| be a term used to describe solar power being used in | | | | batteries instead of using the sun's power. |
| business or could also be used to apply to the | | | | Grid Tied or Net Metering system |
| electricity generated by solar power and then sold. | | | | In a grid tied or net metering home, the power lines are |
| There are two types of systems that describe | | | | still connected to the electric utility system. The electric |
| residential solar power: | | | | utility system acts as a large battery array. During the |
| 1. Off grid | | | | day when the sun is shining the electric meter will spin |
| 2. Grid tied or net metering | | | | backwards. Then at night or during periods of high |
| Off Grid system | | | | need the meter will spin forwards. |
| An off grid system is just that, off grid. It is not hooked | | | | Net metering is administered differently by each |
| up to the electric utility system. There are no power | | | | electric utility company so consult with your electric |
| lines running to the house. | | | | company for it's rules and regulations. |
| Off grid systems require a battery system for back | | | | Solar power is a long term, renewable energy source. |
| up power and to supply electricity at night. During the | | | | It frees you from dependence on a utility company, |
| day when the sun is shining onto the photovoltaic array | | | | frees you from dependence on foreign governments, |
| the excess energy is stored in the batteries. This | | | | and frees you from having to write a check every |
| surplus energy is then converted into electricity and | | | | month for electricity. Residential solar power is the |
| released into the system by the batteries. | | | | wave of the future. |
| A generator is also a common component for the off | | | | |