fbpx

Grid Connected Systems

A grid-connected solar power system is the most cost-effective and simple type of solar power system. The main components of a grid connect systems are solar panels and an inverter. Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity, and an inverter will turn DC electricity into usable AC electricity. A grid-connected solar power system will export excess solar power to the grid but maintain the use of regular power from the grid at night (when panels not producing power).

Things to look out for when looking at a solar system for your grid-connected home.

  • How much power do you use during the day and during the evening?
  • How much of your daily loads do you want to cover by solar?
  • Do you want to have the ability to use your solar system when there is a power cut? If so, a battery system is needed.
  • The aim is to be as self-consuming as possible to get the most out of your solar
  • Exporting power back to the grid is only 8-10c/kWh. This is why you want to consume as much of your power within the house as possible before it gets exported back to the grid. 

If you have a solar system with no battery storage and there is a grid power cut. Your solar system WILL NOT FUNCTION until the grid connection returns. Once it does, then your whole house will be provided power by the solar system.

If you have a solar system with battery storage and there is a grid power cut. Your solar system will engage your batteries to provide power to your essential loads until the grid power returns. Once it does, then your whole house will be provided power by the solar system.

Our systems that do have battery back-up storage are designed for when there is a power cut, you are able to back up some of your ‘essential loads’ during a power cut. These loads can only be essential eg some lights, fridge, power points to charge phones etc. Heavy loads like washing machine, freezer, dishwasher can not be connected to the essential loads back up as these will drain the battery too quickly.

Grid Connected Solar Assessment

  • Not every roof is designed for solar, so you need to look at what your roof can fit vs what your power requirements are
  • An import/export meter is required to allow excess power to be exported back to the grid for a credit on your power bill
  • A Distributed Generation (DG) application is required to get approval to install a solar system onto the local lines network.
  • The phase supply into a house can vary from – One, two or three phases. This supply type will depend on how we design your solar

Korero mai, we love talking about solar

Contact Us