A grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system, also known as a grid-tied or on-grid solar system, is a renewable energy system that generates electricity using solar panels.
All solar farms connect to a specific point on the electrical grid, the vast network of wires that connects every power generation plant to every home and business that consumes power. That point is called the “point of interconnection,” or POI.
Utility-scale projects either connect directly to a substation or a transmission line of 69 kV or higher. Unless a solar farm is installed next to transmission lines or substations, the solar contractor needs to install a generation tie to connect the clean energy project to the grid.
Why do solar panels need to be connected to the grid?
The simple answer is that remaining connected to the grid allows your home to draw additional power when solar panels can't generate enough electricity, including nights and cloudy days.
What is a grid connected solar system?
Grid-connected solar systems allow you to generate electricity from solar panels and seamlessly integrate with the utility grid, enabling you to consume the energy you produce and feed excess power back into the grid.
Can solar power go back into the grid?
At the same time, your home can also push additional power back into the grid when your home doesn't need all of the electricity being generated, such as in the middle of a sunny day when everyone is away from the house. For most homes, your residential solar power system will probably be grid-tied, more commonly known as on-the-grid.
Does a solar system need to be connected to a utility grid?
The system must be installed, inspected, and approved by the utility provider. Now, the solar system has the authorization to operate and connect to the utility grid because it fulfills all the interconnection requirements. How Long Can Commercial Interconnection Take?