How do I feed generated power back into the electric grid?

Question

This is for a school project. I'm going to build and install green/sustainable energy harvesters (solar, wind) for my house. I was wondering how I could feed the energy i get from these appliances back into my house and turn my electric meter backward. Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Call your energy provider or go on their website.  They should have a document explaining it and as long as you have the power, they can supply you with a technology that you can use to grid feed, but it isn't free.  Also, in grid feed, you can never get cash, only credit towards your energy bill; and you cannot sell those credits to your neighbor.  I feel that this is unjust and after researching it for a while I feel that the best option is not grid feed, but be on grid and have an off grid system.  That way when you are at the point of producing excess, you can sell it to your neighbor.  Think about it...

Who do you trust more?  An energy company, or yourself?

Answer 2

If it is legal in your area you need to have an extra power meter installed to measure the amount of power you put into the grid.  An electrician would need to do it, and it might need to be an electrician from the power company.

Answer 3

Assuming the power generated is 120v AC 60 Hz (USA standard) you simply need to hook it up, i.e., plug it in, to household current.  If the current produced exceeds the current any household appliances might be pulling, the meter will indeed turn backwards.