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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:
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.
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: $$$$
Efficiency: Medium
Color: Silver frame, white backsheet
Size: 72-cell
Astronergy 320 watt panels feature improved efficiency with Mono PERC cell technology. Astronergy 60-cell PV modules are a cost-effective option ideally suited for roof-mounted residential, commercial and industrial installations.
Price: $$$$
Efficiency: Medium
Color: Silver frame, white backsheet
Size: 60-cell
All black panels with superior aesthetic appearance ideally suited for residential rooftop applications. Heliene is a premium manufacturer and all modules produced at their Canadian and American factories meet the requirements for the Buy-American and American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts.
Price: $$$$
Efficiency: Medium
Color: Black frame, black backsheet
Size: 60-cell
Solar panels generate Direct Current (DC) power. Your household appliances operate on Alternating Current (AC) power.
An inverter has a simple job: it converts the DC power generated by panels into usable AC power to keep your appliances running and turn back your meter.
Affordable inverters from an industry leader, the SMA Sunny Boy has the longest history out of any inverter we sell. It’s also the only grid-tie inverter with a Secure Power Supply, which can supply a limited amount of emergency power during a grid outage.
Price: $$$$
Peak Efficiency: 97.6%
Monitoring: Ethernet or wireless connection
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.
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:
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.
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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