Connecting Solar Panels to Grid

You’ve decided to install solar panels. Now you have just one question. How does one go about connecting solar panels to the electric grid without any problems?

The problem with solar panels is simple. They cost a bundle up front. They will pay for themselves many times over while you use them, but who has the big cash payment for the upfront purchase these days? Well, the government wants to get us on solar and the feds, state and even local entities are making it financially viable to get the panels.


The financial viability is done in a number of ways. This includes some areas where the local city will give you a loan for the panel purchase and will secure it with your home. Some states, in turn, offered tax credits to help you use tax money for the purchase. The feds take this approach as well. Then there is the incredible concept of net metering.

What is net metering? Simply put, you “sell” electricity back to the utility. This occurs when you are not using all the electricity produced by your panels. During times like this, say during the morning when everyone is at work and school, the electricity is fed back into the grid and your utility meter actually spins backwards. This results in utility bills that are $0 or slightly more.



Okay, so why am I blabbering about all this? Well, it has to do with installing solar panels and connecting them to the grid. If you want to get any of these benefits, nearly every jurisdiction requires you to buy brand new panels and have them professional installed. In short, you need to have a contractor do the work necessary for connecting to the grid.

The only exception to this is the paperwork. You’ll have to research this by jurisdiction. Every utility is going to require you to sign an agreement before it will let you connect to the grid. Just call and ask for the agreement.

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