Grid-Tied Solar Systems

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String Inverter Systems

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Grid-Tied battery backup work?

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Solar Workshop

Our comprehensive, step-by-step DIY Solar Workshop is designed to help
you fast-track your research process. Whether you're installing yourself or
enlisting the help of local contractors, our Workshop has 150+ resources to help you save time and money when going solar.

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Questions? Chat with us!

Wil has been a part of the solar industry for over 20 years; as an electrician, solar installer, support technician, and more. He's also been living off-grid since 1996. Wil and the rest of the Unbound Solar® team are here to answer any questions you have about designing a system that will fit your needs.

Give us a call—we’re here to help.

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Grid-Tied Solar Systems

A grid-tied solar system generates energy from the sun and stores it in the utility grid, so you can use it anytime you need it.

If you have access to the utility grid, and your main concern is getting the most value from your investment, grid-tied solar is the way to go. It has the lowest upfront cost because you don’t have to buy batteries to store the power you generate. The grid takes care of storage for you.

During peak hours, you may generate more electricity than you need to power your home. In most states, you can sell this excess power to the utility company, which stretches the value of your investment even further.

Your grid-tied solar system includes:

Solar Panels
Inverters
Racking System

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Solar Panels

Simply put, panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. Panels are rated by power output (in watts).

More efficient panels come at a cost premium, but take up less space on your property.

FREE Solar Panels Guide

Astronergy Solar 365

Reliable and cost-effective 72-cell solar panels suitable for residential, commercial and industrial PV systems. Astronergy solar panels are one of the best values in the industry.

Price: $$$$
Efficiency: Medium
Color: Silver frame, white backsheet
Size: 72-cell

Astronergy 320

Astronergy 320 watt panels feature improved efficiency with Mono PERC cell technology. Astronergy 60-cell PV modules are a cost-effective option ideally suited for roof-mounted residential, commercial and industrial installations.

Price: $$$$
Efficiency: Medium
Color: Silver frame, white backsheet
Size: 60-cell

Heliene 320 Black

All black panels with superior aesthetic appearance ideally suited for residential rooftop applications. Heliene is a premium manufacturer and all modules produced at their Canadian and American factories meet the requirements for the Buy-American and American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts.

Price: $$$$
Efficiency: Medium
Color: Black frame, black backsheet
Size: 60-cell

Inverters

Solar panels generate Direct Current (DC) power. Your household appliances operate on Alternating Current (AC) power.

An inverter has a simple job: it converts the DC power generated by panels into usable AC power to keep your appliances running and turn back your meter.

FREE Solar Inverter Guide

String Inverters

SolarEdge HD-Wave Inverter

Advanced inverter system with a DC optimizer on each panel. Improved safety, efficiency, shade tolerance, and module-level monitoring.

Price: $$$$
Peak Efficiency: 99%
Monitoring: Ethernet, optional wireless & cellular connection

SMA Sunny Boy Inverter

Affordable inverters from an industry leader, the SMA Sunny Boy has the longest history out of any inverter we sell. It’s also the only grid-tie inverter with a Secure Power Supply, which can supply a limited amount of emergency power during a grid outage.

Price: $$$$
Peak Efficiency: 97.6%
Monitoring: Ethernet or wireless connection

Micro Inverters

Enphase Energy IQ Microinverter

These expandable systems maximize output with a small inverter on each panel, for greater system efficiency, module-level monitoring, improved safety and easy installation.

Price: $$$$
Peak Efficiency: 97%
Monitoring: Ethernet or wireless connection,
requires IQ Envoy

Magnum Energy MicroGT Inverter

Battery-backup ready grid-tied systems with Magnum Energy MicroGT Micro inverters, expandable systems with the ability to add battery backup.

Price: $$$$
Peak Efficiency: 95.5%
Monitoring: Ethernet or wireless connection,
requires MagWeb GT

Racking System – Roof or Ground?

A sturdy mount holds your system firmly in place and protects the components.

Roof mounts tend to cost less because they use your existing roof structure as foundational support. Ground mounts are more versatile: you can build them anywhere on your property, and point your panels directly at the sun so they operate at peak output.

FREE Solar Racking Guide

A roof-mounted system from Unbound Solar

Roof Mount

Roof-mounted systems do not include the flashings or clamps required to attach the racking to your roof. Your roofing material will dictate what type of fasteners you will need:

Here’s what we recommend, based on your roofing material:

Shingle Roofs: The IronRidge Flashfoot 2 is great for shingle roofs.
Metal Roofs: S-5! makes clamps that work with standing seam, corrugated and trapezoidal metal roofs.
Tile Roofs: Quick Mount offers tile hooks and tile replacements to match your roof design.

Watch Roof Mount Video

A ground-mounted system from Unbound Solar

Ground Mount

Ground mounts allow you to install panels anywhere on your property. The panels can be adjusted to face directly into the sun during peak hours, which ensures your system is as efficient as possible.

Adjustable pole mounts make sense if you live in an area that gets heavy snow. They can be set to a steeper tilt angle, which helps your panels shed snow in the winter. Pole mounts also raise your panels off the ground, which keeps them clear of snow banks that accumulate at ground level.

Pole mounts cost more than a fixed ground mount, but work wonders in the right situation.

Watch Ground Mount Video

How much will my system cost?

Use our solar cost calculator to learn why grid-tied solar is a sound investment. Gather a few recent energy bills and tell us your average monthly energy use. We’ll estimate how much it will cost to build a system that covers your needs.

Of course, there’s no substitute for building a custom-made system with the help of a professional designer. Our design techs can account for peaks and lulls in usage. We’ll also point out any other challenges you may have based on local climate or the physical constraints of your property

Call us at 1-800-472-1142 or fill out a quote request form to get started.

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