Residential Solar Power System

Answers to home solar system questions.

The Residential Solar Power System guide. Residential solar energy can be added to existing home power or designed as a stand alone residential solar power arrangement that provides all of your home energy.

Off Grid or Grid Tied? Residential Solar Energy Options.

There are 2 basic types of Residential Solar Power System. They are:

Grid Tied (connected to utility grid).
Off Grid Solar System (independent of conventional energy).

installing a residential solar power system

When considering residential solar energy possibilities, deciding whether yours will be a grid tied system or an off grid system will have a big impact on the size and cost of your system.

Solar isn't a "one size fits all" proposition, there are a lot of different ways to go about using solar energy and tons of things that can be done to keep costs at a minimum.

Always, the first steps are reducing your energy demands, incorporating passive solar power practices as your location allows and installing a solar power water heater.

All, are methods that reduce your energy demand which, in turn, saves you a lot of money. Even if you never intend to put a home solar power system in place, you and the environment can both benefit greatly if you adopt them.

Which is Best ~ Grid Tied or Off Grid?

A Grid Tied residential solar energy system is a good option in the following circumstances.

Urban and suburban areas.
Homes where conventional power infrastructure (poles, power lines and household wiring) is already in place.
Where budget limitations exist.
When you just want to "try it out".

In some cases your power company will buy extra power that your array produces. Not every power district has a "net metering" program. Check with your local power company for more details.

Because a grid tie system remains tied to the grid, there are no sizing requirements and you can choose a system that fits your budget rather than your energy use.

An Off Grid Solar System is a good choice in these situations.

Remote Areas.
No power grid has been established. (starting from scratch).
Sunny location.
Ample room to locate your array.
Adequate budget.
When complete independence from energy providers is the desired goal.

Off grid systems will require a bank of batteries and a good lead acid battery maintenance schedule will save you thousands of dollars over the expected life of the solar panels (30 - 40 years).

Whether you choose an array of photovoltaic panels or the more streamlined solar power shingles, they each have their advantages and both produce clean energy with no emissions.

There are no alternative energy options that don't have both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them can help you make the best choices for your situation.