The vast majority of Photovoltaic (PV) installations are "grid-tied."
How Grid-Tied Solar Works
The basic components of a grid-tied solar system are
rooftop modules, an inverter and a utility meter.
1. Solar Modules:
Solar modules collect the sun’s energy and convert it to
electricity.
2. The Inverter:
The inverter converts the electricity from direct current (DC)
to alternating current (AC), which enters the electrical panel.
This distributes the electricity load to all lights, appliances
etc.
3. The Utility Meter:
The utility meter displays the amount of power you use or
produce. Any power not used is fed back to the grid.