In a grid tie solar electric system power from the solar panels are ran through an inverter that syncs the output frequency with the grids ac.
I am having trouble understanding how the power is added. Is is basically like a parallel dc circuit, but AC? Is there some diodes or something that stops the grid power from trying to go back up the inverter and into the panels? I don't really understand how a device in the house "knows" to use the power from the solar panel system FIRST, and then take what remains from the grid.
I was wondering if it would even be possible to make a system that ties into your house electricity, but not the grid. That way any power you make will can go go into powering your house, and anything else needed comes from the grid. If you are making more then you need, normally that extra power goes into the grid, meaning you need a special meter that is capable of running backwards. I was wondering how feasible it would be to do the same thing, but instead of running your meter backwards, any excess would simply be wasted.
There are programs available through the electric company where if you consume electricity during peak hours, you pay a lot more, but the power you consume off peak costs a little less. it just so happens that a solar panel does most of it's generating during the peak hours.
I wanted to try and save money on my electric bill by starting out with a basic system of just a few watts. 100, 200 or 500 watts or so. I realize that is hardly nothing, but more then anything it's the principle. I am really interested in solar electricity and consider it a hobby. usually you don't expect to make money with a hobby, you spend money to have fun. I realize that even though I may be saving a few cents on my bill, I will be spending hundreds of times what im saving in the costs of the hardware - but thats ok cause im having fun.
I have a very basic knowledge of electrical circuits but I am still having a hard time understanding the concept of using your solar panels first, then remainder from the grid.
I am having trouble understanding how the power is added. Is is basically like a parallel dc circuit, but AC? Is there some diodes or something that stops the grid power from trying to go back up the inverter and into the panels? I don't really understand how a device in the house "knows" to use the power from the solar panel system FIRST, and then take what remains from the grid.
I was wondering if it would even be possible to make a system that ties into your house electricity, but not the grid. That way any power you make will can go go into powering your house, and anything else needed comes from the grid. If you are making more then you need, normally that extra power goes into the grid, meaning you need a special meter that is capable of running backwards. I was wondering how feasible it would be to do the same thing, but instead of running your meter backwards, any excess would simply be wasted.
There are programs available through the electric company where if you consume electricity during peak hours, you pay a lot more, but the power you consume off peak costs a little less. it just so happens that a solar panel does most of it's generating during the peak hours.
I wanted to try and save money on my electric bill by starting out with a basic system of just a few watts. 100, 200 or 500 watts or so. I realize that is hardly nothing, but more then anything it's the principle. I am really interested in solar electricity and consider it a hobby. usually you don't expect to make money with a hobby, you spend money to have fun. I realize that even though I may be saving a few cents on my bill, I will be spending hundreds of times what im saving in the costs of the hardware - but thats ok cause im having fun.
I have a very basic knowledge of electrical circuits but I am still having a hard time understanding the concept of using your solar panels first, then remainder from the grid.