How Does Solar Interact With My Electric Company?

With Texas being the fourth sunniest state in the country, getting solar power is an incredible resource for any home. It has a ton of benefits, both to your pocketbook and to the environment. Plus, the solar tax benefits that Texans enjoy are numerous. However, creating your own energy may seem confusing on the surface. If the sun powers my solar panels, what happens to my power at night? And how does my solar power interact with my electric company?

Where Does the Power For My Home Come From?

During the Day

With solar power, you create electricity for your home passively throughout the day. As long as the sun shines it produces enough energy to power your home. The solar panels installed on your roof harness this energy and the inverter transforms it into usable, AC electricity. If you’re not creating enough energy to run your entire household, don’t fret. Although your home still utilizes solar power, the energy grid stays connected as a backup. This means, your electric company provides you with any excess power you need for your home. That way, if you’re using more energy than normal, or producing less than normal you won’t notice a difference in how your power “feels” while using it.

During the Night

At night, your solar panels can’t create energy for your home. Once again, your local electric company has you covered. While the sun is down, your home will be powered using the traditional electrical grid that once was used to power your home. The transition from creating your own power to using the electrical company remains seamless. The only thing you’ll notice with solar power concerning your power is the lowered electrical bill. If your solar panels aren’t generating enough energy then the electric grid helps power your home. But what if you’re making more than enough energy?

Where Does the Excess Power Go?

How does your electric company interact with your solar power when you’re overproducing? Well, the extra power flows into your local electric grid. In most states, there’s a system in place for you to get credit towards future electric bills when you’re overproducing solar power. In Texas, there are programs like the TXU Energy Renewable Buyback. These programs ensure that excess energy isn’t wasted, and you’re appropriately compensated for it.

Call a Professional

How does solar power interact with your electric company? Solar power allows you to create your own electricity for your home. However, when you can’t make enough due to the weather or the time of day, your electric company powers your home for you. If you’re overproducing power, your electric company should compensate you for the extra energy put into the electrical grid.

Solar power not only lowers your electric bill but also helps the environment. It’s a worthwhile investment for any household. If you are interested in getting solar power on your home, or a no-pressure educational conversation about solar power, contact us! Honey Bees Roofing &  Solar is an expert at installing solar on all types of roofs, including metal. If you want a free estimate on solar power for your roof or a free roof inspection to determine your roof’s condition, Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131!