Grid-tied solar system with net metering

Description

A grid-tied system uses solar panels to cover part of a home's or business's consumption during the day. When the panels produce more than is being used, the surplus goes out to the grid of the power distribution company (Edesur, Edenorte or Edeeste, depending on your area). Under the net metering program, that exported energy is recorded on a bidirectional meter and taken into account on your bill, according to the rules in effect.

It's the most direct way to lower your bill, because it doesn't need batteries. But there's one important point: for safety, a grid-tied inverter shuts off when the power goes out, so it doesn't send current into lines where the utility's crews may be working. If you need backup during outages, you have to add batteries with a hybrid inverter.

Interconnection requires an application to the distribution company that serves you, which usually asks for technical documents and an inspection before installing the meter. We guide you through the process and prepare the technical side, but the conditions, timelines and how credits are applied are set by the distribution company; check the current terms with them. Law 57-07 on renewable energy incentives sets the general framework; the details change, so we review them with you case by case.