Islanding refers to the condition in which a distributed generator (DG) continues to

power a location even though electrical grid power from the electric utility is no
longer present. Islanding can be dangerous to utility workers, who may not realize
that a circuit is still powered, and it may prevent automatic re-connection of
devices. For that reason, distributed generators must detect islanding and
immediately stop producing power; this is referred to as anti-islanding. The common
example of islanding is a grid supply line that has solar panels attached to it. In the
case of a blackout, the solar panels will continue to deliver power as long as
irradiance is sufficient. In this case, the supply line becomes an "island" with power
surrounded by a "sea" of unpowered lines. For this reason, solar inverters that are
designed to supply power to the grid are generally required to have some sort of
automatic anti-islanding circuitry in them.

A grid-tied electrical system, also called tied to grid or grid tie system, is a semiautonomous electrical generation or grid energy storage system which links to the
mains to feed excess capacity back to the local mains electrical grid. When
insufficient electricity is generated, or the batteries are not fully charged, electricity
drawn from the mains grid can make up the shortfall. Grid parity (or socket parity)
occurs when an alternative energy source can generate power at a levelized cost of
electricity (LCOE) that is less than or equal to the price of purchasing power from
the electricity grid. The term is most commonly used when discussing renewable
energy sources, notably solar power and wind power. Grid parity depends upon
whether you are calculating from the point of view of a utility or of a retail
consumer. Reaching grid parity is considered to be the point at which an energy
source becomes a contender for widespread development without subsidies or
government support. A feed-in tariff (FIT, standard offer contract)[1] advanced
renewable tariff[2] or renewable energy payments[3] is a policy mechanism
designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies. It achieves
this by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers, typically based
on the cost of generation of each technology. FITs typically offer a guaranteed
purchase agreement for long (1525 year) periods. Performance-based rates give
incentives to producers to maximize the output and efficiency of their project. As a
result, the tariff (or rate) may differ by technology, location (e.g. rooftop or groundmounted for solar PV projects), size (residential or commercial scale) and region.[8]
The tariffs are typically designed to decline over time to track and encourage
technological change. FITs typically offer a guaranteed purchase agreement for long
(1525 year) periods. Performance-based rates give incentives to producers to
maximize the output and efficiency of their project. As a result, the tariff (or rate)
may differ by technology, location (e.g. rooftop or ground-mounted for solar PV
projects), size (residential or commercial scale) and region.[8] The tariffs are
typically designed to decline over time to track and encourage technological
changeAs a result, the tariff (or rate) may differ by technology, location (e.g. rooftop

or ground-mounted for solar PV projects), size (residential or commercial scale) and

region.[8] The tariffs are typically designed to decline over time to track and
encourage technological change. FITs typically offer a guaranteed purchase
agreement for long (1525 year) periods. Performance-based rates give incentives
to producers to maximize the output and efficiency of their project.

Energy conservation refers to reducing energy consumption through using less of an

energy service. Energy conservation differs from efficient energy use, which refers
to using less energy for a constant service.[1] For example, driving less is an
example of energy conservation. Driving the same amount with a higher mileage
vehicle is an example of energy efficiency. Energy conservation and efficiency are
both energy reduction techniques. Even though energy conservation reduces
energy services, it can result in increased environmental quality, national security,
personal financial security and higher savings.[2] It is at the top of the sustainable
energy hierarchy.[citation needed] It also lowers energy costs by preventing future
resource depletion. Efficient energy use, sometimes simply called energy efficiency,
is the goal to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and
services. For example, insulating a home allows a building to use less heating and
cooling energy to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature. Installing
fluorescent lights, LED lights or natural skylights reduces the amount of energy
required to attain the same level of illumination compared with using traditional
incandescent light bulbs. Improvements in energy efficiency are generally achieved
by adopting a more efficient technology or production process[1] or by application
of commonly accepted methods to reduce energy losses. There are many
motivations to improve energy efficiency. Reducing energy use reduces energy
costs and may result in a financial cost saving to consumers if the energy savings
offset any additional costs of implementing an energy efficient technology. Reducing
energy use is also seen as a solution to the problem of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.