Published: 18 Aug, 2025 | By Solar
Have you been hearing about “grid-tied” solar systems a lot and wondering what it actually means? Or maybe someone told you it helps reduce your electricity bill, but you’re still confused about how it works?
Don’t worry. We’re going to explain everything about what is a grid-tied solar system, how it works, whether it’s right for your home, and the pros and cons you should know, all in simple, easy-to-understand words.
This guide is especially for people living in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who are thinking of using solar panels for their home.
Let’s make you understand what is grid tie solar is in simple words.
A grid-tied solar system is also known as an on-grid solar system and it is a type of solar power setup where your home’s solar panels are connected to the main electricity grid and allows you to use electricity from both ends, the solar and the main grid depending on your needs.
This means:
You’ll get to know all this through a meter that tracks your usage and generation and is called a net meter.
So basically, you’re not “cutting off” from the grid, you’re just making sure that is not the only thing you’re taking all your power
Here are the steps to how these systems work and why.
This is how the “tie” with the grid works, like a give-and-take system.
This is a common question that everybody gets before installing a solar system and a pretty valid one. So yes, a grid tied solar system generates more than the load, not always, but specifically during the peak hours, as in at noon, when consumption is the lowest and since the sunlight is there at its peak. At this time these systems generate enough electricity and send it to the main grids.
In this case:
So, you don’t need to worry about wastage, whatever extra power your solar system makes can still be used, just not directly by you at that time.
Here’s a basic guide to how to install a solar grid tie system:
The solar company will check your rooftop condition, direction, shade level, and space.
Based on your electricity bill and roof space, they will suggest the number of panels and system capacity.
Since this is connected to the main grid, you’ll need approval from the electricity board and net metering permission.
Once approved, solar panels, inverter, and meter will be installed on your roof.
After testing the system and meter, it will be switched on and ready to generate power.
If you’re looking for help with solar panel installation, many companies offer full support from start to finish.
One trusted name in this space is Spectra Solar Power, which provides reliable on-grid solar panels for homes along with solar panel maintenance services to help you stay worry-free.
Here are the biggest advantages of grid-tied systems:
Because you’re generating your own power, your monthly bills can drop by 70–90%.
Since you’re still connected to the grid, you don’t need expensive batteries for backup.
When your panels make more electricity than you use, the extra goes to the grid, and you get credit for it.
Because there’s no battery cost and the system is simple, grid-tied is more budget-friendly.
You're using sunlight instead of coal or gas to power your home, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Like everything, this system also has a few disadvantages:
Even though you have solar panels, if there’s a power cut, your system shuts off automatically to protect grid workers.
There are some permissions and paperwork involved, especially for net metering.
This system won’t work in remote areas where the government electricity grid is not available.
That’s a yes. Grid tied solar systems are good for home, especially at the places where the sun you’re getting is good. Because when you’re generating enough power at homes, you’re not just only saving money on electricity bills, you’re also sometimes earning it. Because let's be practical, people don’t really much stay at their homes during the day or just don’t use that much appliances, so they are bound to save money.
There are government schemes that provide you financial support for installing solar systems in your house and most of these come under the pradhan mantri Surya Ghar Yojna and other state level schemes.
Depending on your system sizes these schemes can actually bring down your costs by up to fifty percent or even zero sometimes.
To check subsidy eligibility, or apply with less paperwork, companies like Spectra Solar Power also help you through the whole process.
Grid-tied systems are very low-maintenance. But for best performance, do the following:
Spectra Solar Power also provides affordable solar panel maintenance services across several Indian cities.
And if you’re looking for the best solar panel company with solar panels for residential purposes in India, to guide you properly, help with subsidy, install the system, and support you afterward, Spectra Solar Power is a trusted name in this space.
