When it comes to converting to solar you have probably heard the following phrases: free yourself from the grid or disconnect from the grid. However, these popular solar catch phrases are actually a bit off the mark. In reality, the vast majority of solar panels are grid-tied systems. When solar systems are connected to utility power lines it is actually beneficial for the system owner and for the grid. In addition to this, grid-connected systems are known to be more efficient.

Homeowners with grid-tied solar systems can still pull energy from the utility lines. This is one of the major reasons why solar companies highly suggest grid-connected systems. When your system is not producing quite enough energy then you can get energy in the traditional way. And if your solar panels are producing more energy than you need, the excess power is fed back into the utility grid. This means that you may eliminate your electric bills entirely.

Grid-connected solar panels are often suggested by solar companies because they help stabilize the grid. When homeowners use grid-tied solar systems it helps to reduce blackouts and brownouts. Along with this, these systems actually help the nation's energy infrastructure overall.

Grid-tied solar systems are also important because they help to decrease the congestion that can occur at peak times of energy use. The official term for this is "peak shaving"--grid-tied systems "shave" electricity needs when electricity demands are at their peak.

Solar experts also believe that it is important to have grid-tied solar systems because they bolster the nation's overall energy infrastructure. Currently, our electricity demands are higher than the infrastructure can handle. Unfortunately, this has caused many grid system "failures." There have been numerous power outages and "power quality disturbances" that cost America a large sum of money, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. An increase in grid-connected solar panel systems helps combat these problems. The ASCE found that these failures cost us billions of dollars every year. Specifically, they found that we waste around $25 billion to $280 billion annually.