Solar Power Grid Connection Explained | How Solar Works with the Electrical Grid

Posted:

06 May 2025

Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the world today. As more homes and businesses install solar panels, the connection to the electrical grid becomes a crucial part of making sure that solar energy is effectively harnessed. Below we cover the process and technology involved to connect solar power to the grid.

What is the electrical grid and how does it work?

Power plants generate electricity using various sources such as gas, coal, wind, or solar. The grid is a large network that includes power stations, transformers and transmission lines. This network transports electricity from power plants to homes, offices, schools, factories, and anywhere else that needs power.

When you plug in your phone, turn on a light, or use your microwave, the electricity comes from this grid.

How do Solar Panels generate electricity?

Solar panels play a critical role in the process of generating electricity, using sunlight to produce electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Each solar panel contains multiple photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture sunlight and convert it into DC (direct current) electricity.

While solar panels generate DC electricity, the grid operates using AC (alternating current) electricity. This means that homes and businesses can't directly use DC electricity from solar panels. An inverter is needed to convert the electricity so that it can be used by the grid.

How does an Inverter help Solar Power connect to the grid?

Inverters are devices that convert DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity, which can then be used to power your home or feed into the grid. These inverters are designed to make sure that the solar power is in sync with the grid’s frequency and voltage.

The different types of inverters

String Inverters

These inverters are commonly used in residential solar power systems. In this setup, multiple solar panels are connected in series, meaning they work together as a single unit. The string inverter then converts the combined energy from all the panels into usable electricity for the home.

Microinverters

Unlike string inverters, microinverters are installed directly on each individual solar panel. This setup allows each panel to operate independently, optimising energy production by making sure that each panel works at its highest efficiency, even if some panels are shaded or dirty.

Hybrid Inverters

Hybrid inverters are designed for solar power systems that include energy storage, such as batteries. These inverters manage both the generation of solar power and the storage of extra energy in batteries. This way, extra energy can be stored for later use when the sun isn't shining, helping to provide a consistent power supply.

How solar power connects to the grid

Once the electricity generated by your solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC) by the inverter, it can be fed into the grid through a grid-tied system. The process takes place in 3 steps:

Generation: Solar panels capture sunlight and generate electricity, which is then converted into AC power
Inversion: The inverter converts the DC power generated by your panels into AC power, making it compatible with the grid’s current
Connection: The solar-generated electricity is then sent into the grid, providing power to nearby consumers or homes

Connecting to the grid allows homeowners to supply power to others and access additional benefits, such as net metering.

How does Solar Power impact grid stability?

While solar energy is a clean and sustainable source of power, it is also intermittent, meaning it doesn’t generate power consistently throughout the day.

Grid operators need to make sure there’s a continuous, stable supply of electricity. To do this, they balance solar energy with other sources like other types of renewable electricity or fossil fuels. This balancing act is important to maintain the grid's reliability and stability.

Can solar power be stored for later use?

Some homes and businesses use batteries to store extra electricity for later use. These batteries allow customers to store energy generated during the day and use it at night or during power outages. By storing solar power, customers can reduce their reliance on the grid, provide backup during non-sunny times and further contribute to grid stability.

The future of solar power and its role in grid modernisation

As technology improves, the integration of solar power into the grid will continue to evolve. With advancements in battery storage, smart grids, and more efficient solar panels, solar energy can become an even more reliable and important source of power for the grid.

How smart grids will transform solar power integration

A smart grid is a more advanced version of the traditional electrical grid, using digital technology to monitor and manage the flow of electricity. Smart grids allow better integration of solar power, enhancing grid reliability and enabling utilities to better forecast solar energy generation. As more homes install solar panels, smart grids can help balance supply and demand more efficiently.

Why solar power and the grid are a perfect pair

Connecting solar power to the grid offers a smart, sustainable way to harness renewable energy while maintaining a reliable power supply. Through the use of inverters, net metering, and modern grid technologies, solar energy is being seamlessly integrated into the existing electrical infrastructure. As more people adopt solar power, we can expect to see an even greater role for solar energy in creating a cleaner and more efficient energy future.