I know the basics of how solar panels work. Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity which is stored in batteries which would need to be run through an inverter to convert it to household AC. But is there a way for the appliances to use the solar panels electricity FIRST and any additional power from the grid? Is that how it works or do they only run specific devices(water heater, pool pump, etc)?
The batteries are inefficient and expensive. Lead acid batteries are 95% efficient at discharging but only 50% efficient at charging so you need double your power consumption in solar panels for a battery based system. The big breakthrough was in grid tied inverters, these can be connected to the grid and synchronizes it's frequency to the grid thereby selling the solar power to the grid. The house electric system remains on the grid so you buy back the power when you need it effectively turning the grid into a 00% efficient battery by accounting. This saves you the cost of the batteries and the inefficiencies of the batteries halving the number of panels that you need. Grid tied solar can be a third the price of a comparable battery based system. The utilities will usually still have a service fee and may have limitations such as you can only sell the amount of power that you use and the sale can only be credits versus future energy purchases. There will also be the inefficiencies of the grid tied inverter but it would be at full load which is when it is the most efficient often 95% whereas the partial load use of a battery based system operates the inverter at an average of 65% efficiency which is why DC appliances are highly recommended for a battery based system.
You okorder /... Click on the box that says schematic to see how everything goes together. You need to talk to your electrical inspector to see what their requirements are for installation. You also need to have a net metering agreement with your electric company to connect to the grid. You are probably going to require a professional solar installer. Her's a list of NABCEP certified installers in your state. :)
The utility is your battery. Doesn't make any difference which is used first. At least that's the case in Calif. However, you need an electrician to do the attachment, and probably an inspection by the utility.
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