If a home could produce 100% of it's own electricity, would that home still have to be connected to the grid?

Question

From the research that I have done in my area, it looks like the Tennessee Valley Authority requires homes equipped with solar panels to still be connected to local power grids. Granted any power generated is credited to your account; but nevertheless, we still have to sell them the power and in turn buy it back. Also there are limitations on how many solar panels you are allowed to have even though zero energy homes do exist here. Does anyone have any information they could share about this? I am very interested in learning more about alternative energy sources. Thanks.

Answer 1

If your connected to the grid you generate your own needs, however if you make more energy than you use you could be paid for what you supply.  If everyone where to do this image how much greener our planet would be.  Also, we would not be so dependent on others.  Good job for making the change.  God Bless.

Answer 2

Obviously legislation in your area is the first trump card. You only physically need to be connected to the grid for emergency energy if your system is producing 100% of your needs. That being said, battery backup arrays can get you through windless or sunless times. You may want to pose a question to the experts on the site below.

Answer 3

Many people do not know that in the United States, the ability to get a loan for your house is often dependent on whether or not you are "on the grid".   http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

As the above page states: "On the grid, we'll float you a loan; Off the grid, you're on your own."

So if you have cash in hand to build, you may be able to have the option to be off the grid - each person would need to check their area's regulations.

If you need a loan, then the alternative of creating more energy than you need and selling it back to the electric company would be very  inviting.

Be sure also to check the "Covenants and Restrictions" of your subdivision (if your land is located in a subdivision) to find out what restrictions they have should you live there. The following web page addresses this: (see the link to Regulations and Restrictions)  http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Being connected to the grid isn't a horrible idea since if you produce more power than you use you are helping to supply clean power for other homes in your area.  However the limiting of how many solar panels you can have is poor legislation I would write letters and address these issues with your leaders.  You might consider letters to the editior of your local papers as well.  

There are new panels that are roof tiles and appear to be only roof tiles to most people, I think this is fabulous as it's not an eye sore and serves two functions.

Answer 5

It would be best to be connected.

1. You get paid for all the power produced that you do not use.

2. Some times, no doubt, you will need more power than you produce and the grid provides the extra power.

3. If something goes wrong, it is a good back-up.

4. PG&E buys your power at a premium and sells any power you need at a lower price. Tell that to TVA.

Answer 6

I have to admit I dream of this, can you imagine most buildings with solar tiled roofs and a small windmill nearby creating enough electricity to cover the house most of the time with geo thermal heating and energy efficient building, most houses would save money in the long term and the load on power demand would be greatly reduced.

I dream.....

Answer 7

Depends on where you  live. If there IS no grid, they can't fault you for not hooking up. And if they pay you for generating capacity, I don't see the problem. Clouds can reduce your capacity, as would still air if you're using a wind turbine. And if your system goes down for any reason, it'd be nice to have power for your home while you're  getting it back up and running.

Answer 8

It sounds like who ever the major supplier of electricity in your area has a lot of sway!