Many states and municipalities give incentives to promote the use of solar backup power. They offer grants and tax credits to homeowners who install a  solar backup system .

The utility companies are only too happy to help connect your solar system to their grid, because it reduces their overall load and they can buy your surplus energy.This results in a lower carbon footprint for the earth because you are generating clean energy and this is energy they don’t need to produce for you.

Everybody wins – YOU – the earth – and the utility company.

If you remain tied to the utility (grid tied), then power from their system still flows into your home at night, when your system is not able to produce enough for your needs. Then, during the daytime, your solar backup power system is producing more energy than you use. The utility company buys your excess and pays you!

The energy demand on national power grids is usually higher during the morning and early evening. That’s about the time that your solar panels are really churning out electricity that you can sell. When the sun is high in the sky, your solar panels produce the most energy. But, even under cloud cover, the sun’s rays still reach your panels and produce for you.

One advantage of the grid tied system is that you can have as few, or as many, solar panels as you wish. Even a small (and cheap) bank of solar panels can make a big difference in your pocket while you can save a lot every month.

One disadvantage is that you remain dependent on the utility. If they go down, you blackout too!

Independent of Grid

With this system, (which is much bigger than just a backup), you produce all your own needs and sever your ties with the utility company. Of course, you cannot sell your excess energy and you will have surplus energy available much of the time.

One advantage is that you will not have any bills to pay, and you will have batteries that keep you going during the dark hours and on really stormy days, when cloud cover is intense.

One disadvantage is that your system will need to be much bigger and of course will be more expensive.

Conclusion

On balance, it rarely makes sense to invest in an independent system. There are really cheap solar backup power systems available for less than $200. Yes, for a few hundred dollars you can really make a difference.

 

What’s Better, Solar Thermal or Solar PV?

It would be difficult to add a passive solar collector to an existing house. More commonly to retrofit an existing home with solar heat, one would use an active solar system with a fluid to extract, store, and then distribute the heat.

Commercially Viable Hydroponics System for Year-round Fruits

The only question is how to choose the right solar energy kit for the home? One main ingredient in the kit should be a set of clear and concise instructions. A solar power kit is only good if it is installed correctly. 

Declare Independence and Build Solar Panels

The second available solar panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with battery backup. With this system you are collecting electricity from you panels, filling your batteries for emergencies.

Author: R. Bruce Neill

If you’re like me and you like the idea of lowering your electric bill – then solar back up power may very well be a good move. NOW – the good news! It doesn’t have to break the bank. You might also want to pick up 6 more detailed tips about solar backup power systems and wind powered systems too.

I also point you towards an excellent step-by-step guide + easy to follow videos that you should be sure to watch. You too could be generating your own solar backup electricity for less than $200! Who else wants to learn how to build a wind powered system for under $200?

For more information, visit: http://www.squidoo.com/solar-backup-power For all the resources you need go to: http://www.solarbackuppower.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Bruce_Neill

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: grid tie solar power system, price of solar energy, solar power system set-ups