A grid-tie inverter solar system is the most common and least expensive of all residential solar systems. It allows homeowners to use their own solar-generated electricity to save energy and reduce costs. The utility company’s grid, or network of power stations, serves as the backup power source.

How a grid-tie inverter solar system works

A grid-tie PV system consists of solar panels and a grid-tie inverter. 

The solar panels feed a special inverter, which converts the DC voltage coming from the solar panels directly into AC power to match the grid. Any power produced by the solar panels subtracts from what you are using from the power company. If you are making more power than you are using, it feeds any extra back into the grid.