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Photovoltaic (Solar Electric)
4 Basic Types of PV Systems
Grid-Interconnected or "Grid-Tied" PV systems
The most popular and use special inverters to allow electricity to flow safely back into the electric grid. This power is typically first used by the building, and then surplus electricity can actually flow back into the grid, giving full retail credit per kilowatt-hour from your utility provider. Since there are no batteries, these systems cannot store energy and are designed to shut down if the grid is down for safety reasons.
Grid-Interconnected with Battery Back-up systems
Continued power when the grid goes down while still being connected to the grid for seamless power. Newer systems also accept other power sources, such as wind or even traditional gas-powered generators to provide power and/or charge the battery at night and/or if the grid is not available.
"Off-Grid" PV systems
Completely independent or "stand alone" system. Since no grid power is used, the system must be designed based on power usage, peak demand and seasonal solar variations. Batteries are typically used to provide power at night, in low sun or high electric demand conditions. These systems are ideal for remote locations where no utilities exist.
Utility-Scale PV systems,
Utility-Scale PV systems, sometimes called “solar farms” provide power for regional users by (or in cooperation) with electric utility providers.
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