Xantrex Trace Sun Tie St2500

Yes, you can become a residential scale power producer and send power back to the utility grid! Small-scale power production is a common occurrence in homes, businesses and utility districts across the globe!

In the past, independent power production (IPP) was expensive enough that it only made economic sense for people who lived miles away from the nearest utility pole. But, today with the present technology of high quality silicon cells, mass-produced solar electric panels and high efficiency inverters, becoming your own power producer is realistic and can add value to your livelihood! Renewable energy systems and the energy conservation they inspire increasingly make sense to promote a more sustainable existence.

Electricity generation contributes more pollutants to our environment than any other industry. But, diversifying our energy supply now will help to maintain our healthy and energy dependent lifestyles. Green (renewable) energy resources increase energy self-sufficiency, and thus economic security, by reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports.

Net metering legislation has currently passed in many US states. This legislation requires your utility company to provide the ability to "net meter" your renewable energy systems and send renewable energy generated power to the grid. Widespread use of net metering practices will:

• Improve our quality of life and the air we breathe by reducing fossil fuel dependency.
• Provide customers clear information about electricity options to enable them to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Expand the market for power from cleaner non-renewable generation.
• Build consumer confidence in retail electricity products containing renewable energy.

Utilities benefit from increased solar generation by gaining the ability to resell the PV power they purchase to environmentally conscious customers at premium Green Power rates. Consumer generated, solar electricity can also help utility companies meet their growth requirements at lower capital costs.

Introducing the Sun Tie Inverter

All-in-One Design
All NEC (U.S. National Electrical Code) required DC input and AC output connections, disconnects and circuit breakers are housed within the Sun Tie’s compact case. A built in LCD panel provides easy-to-read system status and daily cumulative power production information.

Works With Any Type of PV Technology
The ST is designed to optimize the output from all types of solar electric technologies. The open circuit voltage window of the Sun Tie ranges up to 125 VDC so both conventional Crystalline and newer Thin Film PV modules can be used.

Maximum Power Point Tracking
The Sun Tie uses sophisticated software to track and adjust the output of the PV array. Our Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) software, which samples once a minute, ensures complete harvest of the sun’s energy all day long.

Expandable
Multiple ST inverters can be connected to a utility grid so that additional generating capacity may be added in a fully modular manner.

High Efficiency, Long Life Design
The high frequency, solid state design of the ST inverter is extremely efficient. The inverter efficiency is over 90%, with peak efficiencies of 94%. Built and designed in the U.S.A. by Trace Engineering, makers of the worlds most reliable inverters, the Sun Tie is sure to provide many years of trouble free service and carries a two year warranty.

Becoming a "Green" Utility
Environmentally responsive utility companies may offer green pricing programs, where customers elect to pay more for their electricity in return for a guarantee to receive a portion of their electricity from renewable energy sources. Resources used to supply the program may include energy from: solar (PV) electric, small hydroelectric, wind power farms or other sources. The price premiums will typically range from 1.0¢/kWh to 5.0¢/kWh for the various electricity mixes, with lower prices promised in the future based on the public acceptance of the program.

Many utility research programs have discovered that about 50% of customers surveyed would like to buy more green energy. Often, green pricing program participation will be between 2% and 4% of the residential and small commercial customer base in the first year with significant growth continuing in following years.

For more information about states with net metering legislation and incentives for renewable energy systems, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) at
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) recommends practices and guidelines regarding grid interconnection issues. IREC is a non-profit organization committed to accelerating the sustainable utilization of renewable energy resources and technologies. Please visit their site for more educational opportunities on grid tie renewable energy systems. Visit: Interstate Renewable Energy Council