What does this System do?

These systems provide 3600 watts of instant & automatic clean electricity for up to 72 to 144 hours. They are used mostly for supplemental and backup power, however can provide all of your energy needs depending on how much you use. For larger systems than these contact us and a custom system can be built for you. Read on below for how to size your system. The benefits of these systems are many. Connected to the grid, it will sense when the power has gone out and switch to battery power. This happens automatically and instantaneously, without a break in power supply. Batteries in the system can also be topped off from the grid, to make sure they are always fully charged. Or go completely off-grid for remote or mobile power, such as for a cabin, sustainable community, or RV

Installation?

The included manual shows you how each system is connected. This system is designed to require only minor ‘plug & play’ electrical hookup, however it is best to have an experienced electrician professionally install it for you. Here is an example connection (contact us if you are interested in a Dual Inverter System):




What size system will provide all the energy for my house?

There are 3 components to consider when choosing a solar system. The first is how much electricity you need at one time, second is how much of that electricity you want to be able to collect to make that available, third is how long you need to store that amount of energy. These 3 things figure out the size of the inverter, the number of panels, and the number of batteries respectively.

Looking at your energy bill is the most accurate way to help to determine you energy usage. Find out what the average amount of KWh used per month, divide this by 30 to see how much you use in one day. This number is used a bit later. Next find out your required running wattage by adding up lights and appliances that you want to run at the same time, which is also used to calculate the size of your system. The average American household uses 40 KWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity each day, or 40,000 Watts. Here is a sample of how that electricity is used:

Once your list is created, it makes a great deal of sense to first determine how you can cut energy usage and improve efficiency, such as better insulation, ceiling fans, fluorescent bulbs, solar hot water and heat, energy star appliances, etc. Next, select a solar PV system with running wattage to match or exceed the total load required at any time. Add up the running wattage necessary for those items. These systems deliver a maximum of 3600 running watts. Keep in mind that if you intend to use this as primarily a standby system, it is not likely that you will need as much power as usual, to say wash your clothes or keep your air conditioner on full blast.

Adding more panels will increase the speed that more power is delivered to the batteries, which will make more power available from the sun. Take the amount of power you want to generate in one day (KWh on montly bill divided by 30). Divide this number by the number of hours of direct sun in your location; there is a map of this in a FAQ below. This is how much power you want to collect per hour. Take this number of kilowatthours and divide it by the size of the panels, such as 123 watt in this instances. The answer is how many panels work for you!

Having more panels and batteries is most important in off-the-grid applications and for prolonged periods of power outage, especially where there is lower sun exposure. Keep in mind when sizing your system that some appliances or tools require temporary surge wattage at startup that can be double or triple the normal running wattage requirement. These systems handle twice the running wattage for ten seconds. Fortunately it is not usually necessary to start all your surge required appliances and tools at the same time.

Standby Power?

If the solar system is connected to the grid, it will sense when the power has gone out and switch to the solar power from the batteries. After power is restored the system will automatically transfer power needs back to utility power and resume charging the batteries to be ready for the next outage. Provides 36-144 hours of draw on the batteries, or more depending on how much electricity is being used. The batteries typically completely recharge in 2-8 hours of direct sunlight or grid charging. If the power goes out, you draw power out of the batteries to run your essential appliances. You may have an electrician re-wire some house circuits so that certain loads are permanently backed up. Or you may simply plug appliances in with an extension cord.

Is there enough sun where I live?

The number 1 solar powered country in the world? Germany, which has less sunlight than the north of the United States! (Except Alaska of course.) These systems are essentially effective wherever there is sunshine. That said the amount of electricity generated by a Solar PV panel obviously depends on the intensity of the sunlight to which it is exposed, so a solar cell will generate more electricity on longer and brighter summer days than on overcast winter days. The following image shows the average number of hours of daily solar radiation for the USA. This study was conducted using panels facing south at a fixed tilt equal to the latitude of the site. Panels that track the movement of the sun would experience more total solar radiation in these areas.

Can I use PV to power & heat my whole house?

Yes, all of your energy can be supplied by solar power, given your usage, number of panels, and exposure to the sun as described above. A solar PV system is not ideal to heat water electrically, however a Solar Water Heater works exceptionally well. A Solar Air Heater is fantastic for providing warmth for a home. Visit our ebay store to check them out.

What happens when little or no electricity is being generated?

During the times when your system is not able to supply sufficient energy for your usage, it will be drawn from the grid. This temporary switching of electricity supply is done automatically and without interruption to power source, and returns to solar as soon as possible.

What maintenance does this PV system require?

Almost zero. There are no mechanical moving parts within the system that will get worn and need to be replaced. The batteries are AGM, so do not require liquid to be added and will last many more years because of increased durability. As for the panels if anything settles on them it will be washed off by rainfall. A thorough cleaning of the modules is a good idea when it seems they could use it, with an environmentally friendly cleaning agent and towel. We also strongly recommend a periodic inspection/testing of the PV electrical system from a licensed electrician or solar expert to check up the system for optimal functioning and safety.

AGM Batteries?

The batteries in these systems are special. They are called AGM for Absorbed Glass Matt. There are common ‘wet’ batteries, improved ‘gel’ batteries, and then a class apart are the AGM. This type uses fiberglass materials inside to hold conductive liquids, allowing batteries to store charges more effectively and giving them more durability and longer life. Also called "starved electrolyte" or "dry", because the fiberglass mat is only 95% saturated with conductive liquid and there is no excess. Environmentally this means less toxic chemicals are used in the battery, and there can be no spilling of dangerous acids if the battery is damaged. Technically this means the excess liquid inside cannot freeze or dry up, so the battery stays alive for a long time of strong service, despite most interaction with weather conditions. And since the internal resistance is extremely low, there is almost no heating of the battery even under heavy charge and discharge currents. Also withstands shock and vibration. AGM's have a very low self-discharge - from 1% to 3% per month is usual. This means that they can sit in storage for much longer periods without charging. No maintenance - typical ‘wet’ batteries require water to be added, because they use it up over time, but AGM’s are completely carefree.

Can these systems be charged by another source, such as wind, hydro-electric, or a generator?

Yes! Check out this diagram:



Do I need planning permission to install PV panels on my roof?

Normally permission isn't required but there are some exceptions such as if you live in an historical building or district, or if there is a strict neighborhood appearance code. Check with your community group to make sure.

How long will a PV system last?

Solar PV Panels have an average life span of 25-30 years and can continue to operate for longer. A Solar PV System has no moving parts that will get worn and need replacing. Periodic inspections by a qualified technician will help to alleviate any electrical faults.

Can I make money by selling solar power back to the grid?

This is absolutely possible when you are tied into the grid and creating electricity that is not used. Check your state and local Net Metering laws to determine how to go about this. Net Metering is a policy that exists in many parts of the country saying that the grid must agree to purchase energy from “minority producers” who are willing and able to sell for a certain market value. Some legislation proposes that the entire country adopts this idea, so if you support help to get it passed!