Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy and Sustainable Living

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grid-connected system

An independent power system that is connected to an electricity transmission and distribution system (referred to as the electricity grid) such that the system can draw on the grid's reserve capacity in times of need, and feed electricity back into the grid during times of excess production.

Aside from the major small renewable energy system components, you will need to purchase some additional equipment, called balance-of-system, in order to safely transmit electricity to your loads and comply with your power provider's grid-connection requirements. You may need the following items:

Power conditioning equipment
Safety equipment
Meters and instrumentation.

Because grid-connection requirements vary, you or your system supplier/installer should contact your power provider to learn about its specific grid-connection requirements before purchasing any part of your renewable energy system.

Related entries

• grid-connected small wind electric system
• grid-connected system metering

Related category

• ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND SUPPLY

Source: US Department of Energy

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