Where does the output power from a photovoltaic system go? Is it consumed by the area the system is connected to?

 

I am not certain what you are asking.

There are small lights to put in the yard. They collect electricity in the day and store it in a battery. At night the battery powers lights to light the sidewalk. In this case power stays in one spot.

Some houses have solar cells on the roof. In many cases the solar cells help power the house. Maybe the house uses 1000 watts. If the cells make 500 watts then you need only 500 more from the power company. But if solar is making 2000 watts and you need only 1000 then the extra 1000 will be pushed back to the power company and it will help your neighbors. In many countries the power company will pay for your extra power.

 

If you're asking about a larger-scale utility system, then you may be able to feed that PV power back. Most of the time, it's worth more to simply use the power rather than attempting to sell back.

 

A $2000+ grid tie inverter is useful longterm and isn't that expensive in the long run. It will allow for off-grid as well as grid-tie operation.

You won't need a specific meter or anything of the sort. Though you may need two. With this you should be able to achieve synchronization.

 

You could, honestly, probably find one cheaper. I don't know how willing you are to play around with an inverter. But if you are into putting in some work, I think finding a used one is a good step in a more helpful and useful direction most of the time.

 

i did not understand the question. It is even sadder that I cannot understand the replies given.