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A Do-It-Yourself Solar Power Grid Connection

In recent years there have been questions about whether the electrical grid can handle the amount of electricity demanded by consumers and businesses. However, using solar panels, or photo voltaic electricity, you can actually produce energy and sell it back into the grid. This process takes several steps to do it yourself.

Instructions

- 1
  Install a solar panel array on your roof or back yard by placing it in the most well-lit, non-shaded area. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity when photons from the sun strike the panel. It produces an amount of electricity measured in watts per hour.
- 2
  Connect the solar panel to an inverter through a cable. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panel to the alternating current (AC) required by the electrical grid and your house. The inverter also converts the power to the standard 120 volts used in the U.S.
- 3
  Connect the inverter with wires back into a central power source in your home. Use a special cable provided by your power company.
- 4
  Observe the utility meter to gauge how much power you are producing. The solar panel manufacturer or your power company should provide you with a reader for the purpose. The meter converts your voltage produced to kilowatts to easily convert to the U.S. power system measurements.

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