Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
What can you do with the electric power that you generate using solar panels? You have two choices: use it or sell it to your power company.
Using the electricity is easy but requires some knowledge of your power system in order to safely connect the solar array to your fuse box. Unless you are an electrician by trade, this part of the project will more than likely require an expert. Also, be sure to check with your building department for any inspections or certifications that might be required.
Your utility company will want to know about your solar array, and, if you are tying into the grid (electrical system of the region), it may require you to get a robust inverter that “cleans up” the electricity before it is passed down the power line.
If your state allows it (and your utility is equipped for it), electricity that you generate but don’t use can be sold to the power company. Being able to sell power back to the grid is called “net metering” and is currently available in over 35 states.
Related Search Terms:
how to use solar power, how to use solar for electricity, using solar-generated electricity, selling electricity back to power company, using solar panels for electricity, how to sell back electricity, how to run solar energy to house
