One of the most common questions homeowners ask when considering solar is, “can I use both solar and electricity?” The answer is yes, and in fact, most home solar systems are designed to do exactly that. You don’t have to choose between solar power and your utility company. Instead, you can benefit from both.

Using solar alongside traditional electricity gives you flexibility, reliability, and potential savings. It also makes it easier to transition to clean energy without completely changing how your home functions.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• How grid-tied solar systems work: Most homes use solar + grid power every day
• When you use solar vs. electricity: Daytime, nighttime, and power outages explained
• Why this setup is ideal for Nebraska homeowners: Energy savings, reliability, and long-term value

Let’s take a closer look at how solar and grid electricity work together—and how to make the most of both.

👉 How Solar and Grid Electricity Work Together

Most residential solar panel systems are connected to the utility grid. These are called grid-tied systems, and they’re the most common type of solar installation in the U.S.

Here’s how the power flow works:

• During the day: Your solar panels generate electricity using sunlight. That power goes straight to your home’s electrical system.
• If you produce more than you need: The extra power goes back into the grid, and you receive credit (this is called net metering).
• At night or on cloudy days: Your home pulls electricity from the utility grid when your panels aren’t producing enough.

The two systems work together seamlessly. You won’t notice when your home switches between solar power and grid electricity, it’s automatic.

🤔 What Is Net Metering?

Net metering is a billing system that gives you credit for the solar energy you send back to the grid. If your solar panels generate more power than your home needs during the day, that extra energy doesn’t go to waste.

• Energy credits: The extra power is sent to the grid, and your utility company gives you a credit on your account.
• Offset your bills: You can use those credits to reduce the cost of electricity you pull from the grid later—usually at night.
• Monthly or annual rollovers: Depending on your utility provider, your credits may roll over each month or year.

Net metering makes it possible to benefit from solar energy 24/7, even when the sun isn’t shining.

💡 Can I Still Use Power During an Outage?

This is a common misconception. Most grid-tied solar systems will not power your home during a utility outage, unless you have a battery backup system installed.

Why? Because the system is designed to shut off automatically during an outage to protect utility workers from backfed electricity.

To maintain power during outages, you’ll need:

• Solar battery storage: Batteries store excess solar power to use when the grid is down.
• Hybrid inverter: Allows your home to switch between solar, battery, and grid sources as needed.
• Dedicated backup panel: Powers only essential circuits during an outage.

If you live in an area prone to storms or power interruptions, adding battery backup is a smart upgrade.

✅ Pros of Using Both Solar and Electricity

Combining solar and utility power offers a wide range of benefits for homeowners.

• Lower energy bills: Solar offsets your daily usage, especially during peak hours.
• Grid reliability: You’re still connected to a dependable power source, even when solar production is low.
• No lifestyle changes: Your lights, appliances, and systems work the same way as before.
• Scalable system: You can start with partial solar coverage and expand over time.
• Eligibility for tax credits: Grid-tied systems qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit through 2025.

It’s the best of both worlds: sustainable energy when you can, and traditional power when you need it.

📑 Do I Still Get a Power Bill With Solar?

Yes, but it will likely be lower—sometimes significantly lower. Here’s what to expect:

• Reduced charges: Solar offsets a large portion of your electricity use, depending on system size and your daily habits.
• Fixed service fees: Most utility providers charge a small monthly connection fee, even if you use very little electricity.
• Seasonal variation: Your bill may change based on how much solar power you generate in summer vs. winter.

Even if you stay connected to the grid, your monthly energy expenses can drop dramatically over the course of a year.

🏠 Can I Add Solar to My Home Without Going Off-Grid?

Absolutely. In fact, most solar homes are not off-grid. Off-grid systems are typically used in remote areas where utility access is limited. They require large battery banks, backup generators, and more upfront investment.

Grid-tied solar is much more common for suburban and city homes because:

• It’s more affordable: Fewer batteries or none at all.
• You can use the grid as backup: No need for generators or extreme power conservation.
• Permitting is easier: Most areas have well-established guidelines for grid-tied systems.

For most homeowners, grid-tied solar is the most practical and cost-effective option.

⭐️ Is This Setup Right for Nebraska Homes?

Yes, Nebraska is an excellent place to combine solar and traditional electricity.

• Strong solar potential: Nebraska gets around 5 peak sun hours per day, ideal for solar generation.
• Rising utility rates: Solar helps offset rate hikes from power companies.
• Wide-open rooftops: Many homes in Nebraska are ideal for efficient solar panel layout.

And with the federal solar tax credit ending in 2025, now is the perfect time to make the switch.

☀️ Solar + Grid Power = Smart, Flexible Energy

If you’ve been wondering, “can I use both solar and electricity?”, the answer is a clear yes—and doing so offers the best mix of energy savings, flexibility, and peace of mind. With a grid-tied solar system from J-Tech Construction & Solar, you can power your home more efficiently while still relying on the utility grid when you need to.

Our team will help you design a solar system that fits your goals, energy usage, and budget. Reach out to J-Tech today for your free estimate and start powering your home the smarter way.