Overview
In this section we will look at some of the most common backup and solar systems. This will give you some more information so that you can make an informed decision on the type of system you need.
Battery Backup
Battery backup system has two main components, batteries and inverter/charger. The system stores electricity in the batteries from the utility, when the utility power falls away the inverter uses the battery power to provide power to your Home/Office, when the utility power returns, it will power your Home/Office and recharge the batteries.
Hybrid Solar System
Hybrid Solar System system has three main components, solar panels, batteries and inverter/charger. When there is enough sun it will power your Home/Office and charge the batteries, utility power is used when there is not enough sun to power your Home/Office. The system will provide a backup if the utility power should fail, once the utility power return it will power your Home/Office once again and charge the batteries.
Off-Grid Solar System
Off-Grid Solar System has three main components, solar panels, batteries and inverter/charger. This system is normally installed where utility power is not available or unreliable. These systems have a bigger battery bank and solar panel array. A backup generator is also installed for those cloudy weeks where we don’t have full sun. Depending on location a wind turbine is added to help with night time power production.
Grid Tie Solar System
Grid Tie Solar System has only 2 main components, solar panels and inverter. This system ties in with the utility(Grid) power, the power it is able to deliver is directly linked to the amount of sun it receives. It will power your Home/Office and unused electricity is fed back into the Grid*. This type of system is normally installed on office buildings, workshops and factories to help reduce their electricity bill and reduce their carbon footprint. Because there are no battery bank there is no backup function, if the Grid should fail the inverter will turn off instantly. This is also done to protect people working on the Grid.