Energy Informative

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Energy Informative Getting Started with Solar

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Grid-Tied, Off-Grid and Hybrid SolarSystems

What are the benefits of grid-connected solar panels vs. living off the grid?

Deciding whether to grid-tie your solar panels is usually a pretty straightforward decision the clear-

cut benefits of being grid-tied appeals to the majority of homeowners. There is however a few who

choose to live off the grid.

What is the best choice in your situation? Let s look closer at the benefits and

downsides of grid-tied, off-grid and hybrid solar systems.

Grid-Tied Solar Systems

Grid-tied, on-grid, utility-interactive, grid intertie and grid backfeeding are all terms used to describe

the same concept a solar system that is connected to the utility power grid.

The electric power grid is in many ways also a battery, offering much better efficiency about 99%. In

addition to this, there is no need for maintenance or battery replacements.

The benefits of being grid-tied are convincing:
http://energyinformative.org/http://energyinformative.org/http://energyinformative.org/getting-started-with-solar/http://energyinformative.org/getting-started-with-solar/http://energyinformative.org/benefits-of-solar-panels/http://energyinformative.org/benefits-of-solar-panels/http://energyinformative.org/solar-panels-cost/http://energyinformative.org/solar-panels-cost/http://energyinformative.org/solar-financing-options/http://energyinformative.org/solar-financing-options/http://energyinformative.org/solar-panel-comparison/http://energyinformative.org/solar-panel-comparison/http://energyinformative.org/energy-efficiency/http://energyinformative.org/energy-efficiency/http://energyinformative.org/faq/http://energyinformative.org/faq/http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/http://energyinformative.org/faq/http://energyinformative.org/energy-efficiency/http://energyinformative.org/solar-panel-comparison/http://energyinformative.org/solar-financing-options/http://energyinformative.org/solar-panels-cost/http://energyinformative.org/benefits-of-solar-panels/http://energyinformative.org/getting-started-with-solar/http://energyinformative.org/


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Net Metering The Virtual Battery

Electricity has to be spent in real time. It can however be temporarily stored as other forms of energy

(e.g. chemical energy in batteries), but not without significant losses.

Your solar panels will often generate more electricity than what you are capable of consuming. With

net metering, homeowners can put this excess electricity onto the utility grid instead of storing it

themselves, which in turn lowers their next electricity bill. Most utility companies have committed to

buying power from homeowners at the same rate as they sell it themselves.

The bottom line is that you get access to backup power and energy storage

from the utility grid, while at the same time you help mitigate the utility

company`s peak load. As a result, the efficiency of our electrical system as a

whole goes up.

Least Expensive Solution

Net metering plays an intrinsic role in how solar power is incentivized. Without it, residential solar

systems would be much less feasible from a financial stand of view.

Batteries, and other stand-alone equipment, are required for a fully functional

off-grid solar system and add to costs as well as maintenance. Grid-tied solar

systems are therefore generally cheaper and simpler to install.

Equipment for Grid-Tied Solar Systems


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There are a few key differences between what equipment is needed for grid-tied, off-grid and hybrid

solar systems. Standard grid-tied solar systems rely on the following components:

Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI) or Micro-Inverters

Power Meter

Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI)

What is the job of a solar inverter? They regulate the voltage and current received from your

solar panels. Direct current (DC) from your solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC),

which is the type of current that is utilized by the majority of electrical appliances.

The extra job of a grid-tie inverter, also known as a grid-interactive inverter or a synchronous inverter,

is to synchronize the phase and frequency of the current to fit the utility grid (nominally 60Hz).Also

note that the output voltage needs to be slightly higher than the grid voltage in order for excess

electricity to flow outwards onto the grid.

Micro-Inverters

Micro-inverters go on the back of each solar panel, as opposed to the entire solar array connected to

one central inverter.


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There has recently been a lot of debate onwhether micro-inverters are better than central (string)

inverters.Micro-inverters are certainly more expensive, but in many cases yield higher efficiency.

Homeowners who are suspect to shading issues should definitely evaluate if micro-inverters are

better in their situation.

Power Meter

Most homeowners will need to replace their current power meter with one that is compatible with net

metering. This device, often called a net meter or a two-way meter, is capable of measuring

power going in both directions, from your house into the grid and vice versa.

You should consult with your local utility company and see what net metering options are. In some

places, the utility company issue a power meter for free and pay full price for the electricity you

generate; however, this is not always the case.

Off-Grid Solar Systems

Off-grid, off-the-grid, or just standalone solar systems is the obvious alternative to being grid-tied. For

the majority of homeowners, off-grid solar systems are simply not feasible from an economical point

of view.

To ensure access to electricity at all times, off-grid solar systems require battery storage and in many

cases diesel backup generators. On top of this, battery banks usually need to be replaced after about

5-10 years. Batteries are complicated, expensive and they decrease overall system efficiency, which

further adds to costs.

Here are the main reasons why people decide to live off the grid:

Remote Places

Off-grid solar systems can be cheaper than extending power lines in certain remote areas.

Off-grid may be cheaper if youre at least 100 yards from the grid is a good rule of thumb. The costs

of overhead transmission lines range from $150,000 per mile (for rural construction) to $5,000,000 per

mile (for urban construction).[1]
http://energyinformative.org/are-solar-micro-inverters-better-than-central-inverters/http://energyinformative.org/are-solar-micro-inverters-better-than-central-inverters/http://energyinformative.org/are-solar-micro-inverters-better-than-central-inverters/http://energyinformative.org/are-solar-micro-inverters-better-than-central-inverters/http://energyinformative.org/are-solar-micro-inverters-better-than-central-inverters/http://energyinformative.org/are-solar-micro-inverters-better-than-central-inverters/


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Self-Sufficiency

Living off the grid offers the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. This feeling is more important than savingmoney for some people.

Security

Energy self-sufficiency is a form of security. Power failures on the utility grid do not affect off-grid solar

systems. However, these situations are rare.

On the flip side, batteries can only store a certain amount of energy, and during cloudy times, being

connected to the grid is actually what is offering security. Some install a backup diesel generator in

case their batteries go flat.

Equipment for Off-Grid Solar Systems

Typical off-grid solar systems require the following extra components:

Solar Charge Controller

Battery Bank

DC Disconnect (additional)


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Off-Grid Inverter

Backup Generator (optional)

Solar Charge Controller

Solar charge controllers are also known as charge regulators or just battery regulators. The last term

is probably the best to describe what this device actually does: Solar battery chargers limit the rate of

current being delivered to the battery bank and protect the batteries from overcharging. In other

words, these devices charge the battery bank in a smart way.

Good charge controllers are crucial for keeping the batteries healthy, which ensures the lifetime of a

battery bank is maximized. If you have a battery-based inverter, chances are that the charge

controller is integrated.

Battery Bank

Without a battery bank (or a generator) itll be lights out by sunset. A battery bank

is essentially a group of batteries wired together.

DC Disconnect Switch

AC and DC safety disconnects are required for all solar systems. For off-grid solar

systems, one additional DC disconnect is installed between the battery bank and the off-grid inverter.

It is used to switch off the current flowing between these components. This is important for

maintenance and troubleshooting, as well as for protection from electrical fires.

Off-Grid Inverter

There`s no need for an inverter if you`re only setting up solar panels for your boat or RV. However,

you will need an inverter to convert DC to AC current for nearly all other electrical appliances.


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Off-grid inverters do not have to match phase with the utility sine wave as opposed to grid-tie

inverters. Current flows from the solar panels through the solar charge controller and bank battery

bank before it is converted into AC by the off-grid-inverter.

Backup Generator

It takes a lot of money and big batteries to prepare for several consecutive days without access to

sunlight nor power from the utility. This is where backup generators come in.

In most cases, installing a backup generator that runs on diesel is a better choice than investing in an

oversized battery bank that seldom gets to operate at it`s full potential. Generators can run on

propane, petroleum, gasoline and several other forms of fuel as well.

Backup generators typically output AC current, which can be sent through the inverter for direct use or

be converted into DC for battery storage.

Hybrid Solar Systems

Hybrid solar systems combines the best from grid-tied and off-grid solar systems. These systems can

either be described as off-grid solar with utility backup power, or grid-tied solar with extra battery

storage.

If you own a grid-tied solar system and drive an electric vehicle you`ve in a sense already got a hybrid

setup. The electrical vehicle is really just a battery with wheels.

Less Expensive

Hybrid solar systems are less expensive than off-grid solar systems. There are no requirements for

expensive backup generators and the capacity of the battery bank can be downsized. Off-peak

electricity from the utility company is cheaper than diesel.

Smart Solar


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The introduction of hybrid solar systems has opened up for many interesting innovations. New

inverters let homeowners take advantage of changes in the utility electricity rates throughout the day.

Solar panels happen to output the most electrical power at noon not long before the price of

electricity peaks. Your home and electrical vehicle can be programmed to consume power during off-

peak hours (or from your solar panels).

Consequently, you can store whatever excess electricity your solar panels temporarily in batteries,

and put it on the utility grid when you are credited the most for every kWh.

Smart solar holds a lot of promise. The concept will become increasingly

important as we transition towards the smart grid in the coming years.

Equipment for Hybrid Solar Systems

Typical hybrid solar systems are based on the following additional components:

Charge Controller

Battery Bank

DC Disconnect (additional)

Battery-Based Grid-Tie Inverter

Power Meter


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Battery-Based Grid-Tie Inverter

Hybrid solar systems utilize batter-based grid-tie inverters. These devices combine can draw electrical

power to and from battery banks, as well as synchronize with the utility grid.

The bottom line is this:The technology of energy storage is evolving rapidly, and the situation

could look entirely different just another decade down the line. However, for the vast majority of

homeowners, tapping the utility grid for electricity and energy storage is significantly cheaper and

more practical than battery banks or backup generators.

Reference: [1]Edison Electric Institute.

Author:Mathias Aarre Mhlum

There are 35 comments .

Shady Abeid May 27, 2012 @ 12:14 pm

Hi Mathias, I like your website.

I have an idea that I am struggling to find any resources to back it. First of all I graduated last year

with master in renewable energy from Warsaw university of technology. I work currently in the UK, but

very soon will be returning to Poland as my employer is going under. Before I tell you about my idea,

we can agree that there are 3 main types of domestic solar systems;

1- grid tied

2- stand alone system

3- Hybrid which is actually grid tied with battery back

You mentioned these three types in your article. Now in order to have grid tied or hybrid system you

need to know that your utility company will buy the excess energy otherwise you will b dumbing this

energy for free in the grid right?

then what is the solution for a country that yet to adopt any feed in tariff system (like Poland)?. the

only solution then is stand alone. but we know that such systems are extremely expensive if they are
http://eei.org/ourissues/electricitydistribution/Documents/UndergroundReport.pdfhttp://eei.org/ourissues/electricitydistribution/Documents/UndergroundReport.pdfhttp://eei.org/ourissues/electricitydistribution/Documents/UndergroundReport.pdfhttps://plus.google.com/107996559739279792274https://plus.google.com/107996559739279792274https://plus.google.com/107996559739279792274http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10472http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10472http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10472http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10472https://plus.google.com/107996559739279792274http://eei.org/ourissues/electricitydistribution/Documents/UndergroundReport.pdf


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to supply a normal size house throughout the year. The reason is that we have to build a very large

system to provide enough power during winter.

Now my idea is to build a system that stands alone, but have the flexibility to switch over to utility

power when we run out of juice. The system that I am thinking of should be sized to provide all the

energy that a house needs during the best irradiation day in the year. the system like any stand alone

system consists of panels batteries, inverter, and a new component is Automatic Transfer Switch,

which is going to to switch over to grid power once the inverter shuts down. I ran few simulation for

such a system and find that it works fine. The advantage of this system is:

1- you need minimal amount of PV panels

2- you dont need large battery bank as in stand alone systems

3- most importantly its very reliable compared to stand alone

sizing the system to highest irradiation day in the year means that, the system cant provide all the

energy needs for mare than few days, the simulation results showed that such a system provide

about 50% of the annual electricity needs of a house in the Polish climate.

I cant find any resources that could support my idea, therefore I am afraid that I am missing some

basic information that makes this system unusable.

Thanks for reading such a long reply. and let me know if you have any objection to this idea

Reply

Mathias May 29, 2012 @ 1:31 pm

Glad you liked the article.

Now in order to have grid tied or hybrid system you need to know that your utility company will buy

the excess energy otherwise you will b dumbing this energy for free in the grid right?

Unless you store the energy in batteries.

The way I understand your system it is scaled to never generate more electricity than what you need

on a day-to-day basis and therefore you save money by not needing a big battery bank. I think it

sounds reasonable, but a system like this could only cover a tiny of a households yearly electricity

needs.
http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=10472#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=10472#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10652http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10652http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10652http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-10652http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=10472#respond


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Reply

Sudershan Gosain July 23, 2012 @ 5:47 am

Dear Sir,

I want to buy two grid solar panel & inverter for office and residence. My requirement for home is 8

fans, fridge, 8 florescent bulbs, instant geyser. What will it cost. That it costs, guarantee, and after

sales service will be available.?with regards,

Sincerely yours,

Sudershan Gosain

Reply

Harold January 31, 2013 @ 1:48 pm

Hello Mathias,

regarding the grid tie in Poland,

Would it be reasonable to just install the standard hybrid system with a little more battery capacity andalso divert energy to some usefull work that can be used later? for example a huge 100 gallon pre

heat water tank.

Maybe you could supply free hot water to all of your neighbors instead of giving the grid free power!

Or any other use that would benefit people around you. Some kind of machine that does work like

pumping water to garden area or extra air conditioning or heating in a room you usually dont use.

Install a driveway heating system just for use when the sun is producing more than you can use.

anything other than feeding back into the grid for free.!

Reply

sudheer November 20, 2012 @ 4:09 pm

Dear Shady Abeid,

i have posted some replies in this blog. Please view all of my replies and revert.

Regards,Sudheer
http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=10652#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=10652#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-16474http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-16474http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-16474http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=16474#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=16474#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-67634http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-67634http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-67634http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=67634#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=67634#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51345http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51345http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51345http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51345http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=67634#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-67634http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=16474#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-16474http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=10652#respond


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sudheersrivastav@ rediffmail.com

sudheersrivastav.s@ gmail.com

Reply

Matjaz June 13, 2012 @ 6:50 pm

@Shady Abeid: I also surfed the web to support your idea, but from my thinking (very very

unprofessional) best connection is:

1) PV>inverter> power meter for solar plant> grid

2) PV>inverter> after power meter of household> home appliance

3) grid> power meter of household> home appliance

As you can see, there are two outputs of Inverter and home appliance has two inputs. Problem I see

is that electricity can run from grid (3) into power meter for solar plant (1). There must be one way only

connection and I doubt grid operator will allow that connection.

After all, grid operator loses two fees one for distributing solar electricity from you and second is for

distributing gird electricity to you although you are buying back own electricity. Can somebody

support that idea?

Reply

Mangi PNG November 27, 2012 @ 9:16 pm

@MATJAZ,

In response to your comments to Shady Abeid, Most grid owners will definitely be loosing more and

wont agree to this connection.

I have actually ventured into this area and believe me, you dont wanna go there.

Reply

sudheer December 19, 2012 @ 7:56 am

Dear Matjaz,

please view my posts and revert to me. Once you read my posts you will understand that i have thesimilar concept as you mentioned.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51345#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51345#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-11969http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-11969http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-11969http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=11969#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=11969#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54684http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54684http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54684http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54684#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54684#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-58414http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-58414http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-58414http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-58414http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54684#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54684http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=11969#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-11969http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51345#respondmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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regards,

Sudheer.



Reply

adri June 16, 2012 @ 12:34 am

Hey Mathias,

great article and thank you.

I was wondering what do you suggest is the most expensive system component apart from the solar

cells.

I feel batteries are expensive but I might be completely wrong. I would very helpful if you could

enlighten me please.

Reply

Johnny June 22, 2012 @ 5:41 am

Is there a solar system that runs like an off grid system that only utilizes the grid when the storage

batteries run low? Not a battery back up system. Use battery power at night, solar power by day, and

the grid only when your battery supply is low. Maybe a battery back up system could mimic this by

just disconnecting from the grid at night effectively causing a grid outage causing switch over to the

battery power then reconnecting to the grid in the morning. I am asking is there a setup that does this

automatically?

Reply

Fabian August 29, 2012 @ 3:58 pm

Hi Mathiyas,

I am designing a Solar/Grid hybrid system with battery back-up for my home. My aim is to make solar
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=58414#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=58414#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-12371http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-12371http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-12371http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=12371#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=12371#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-13149http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-13149http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-13149http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=13149#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=13149#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-18061http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-18061http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-18061http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-18061http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=13149#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-13149http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=12371#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-12371http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=58414#respondmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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is the primary source and the grid is the secondary source for my loads. Well, In my place power

blackout occurs so often and here its not possible to deploy grid tied solar system. I dont want to use

the solar panels just to charge the batteries. I want to use energy from solar for my home appliances

as well as charging battery banks also. The inverter should be able to disconnect the grid during grid

failure. Can u please help me choosing the type of inverter and battery banks?

Fabian(India)

Reply

Karthik.V September 11, 2012 @ 3:04 pm

How to use the excessive ongrid solar power supply on holydays in india?

Reply

Sam October 11, 2012 @ 12:51 pm

Hi

Im an apprentice electrician in Queensland, the company I work for is looking for a system such as

Johnny is asking about. With the current buying price of energy being so high and feed in price being

so low, we need a system that can charge a battery bank for the house to use during peak hours,

feed back to the grid once the battery bank is full and also connect back to the grid when the bank is

nearly empty.

Reply

Sudheer November 23, 2012 @ 2:21 pm

Dear Sam (from Queensland),

please read all my posts in this blog and revert to me at:



I have got exactly the kind of design your company is looking for.

Reply
http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=18061#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=18061#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-19746http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-19746http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-19746http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=19746#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=19746#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-36253http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-36253http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-36253http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=36253#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=36253#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-52481http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-52481http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-52481mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=52481#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=52481#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=52481#respondmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-52481http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=36253#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-36253http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=19746#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-19746http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=18061#respond


15/27


Dear Shady Abeid,

iam working on a solar mains hybrid UPS system and have got quite deep into the concept &

design. Contact me atsudheersrivastav@ rediffmail.com. Have a very brilliant idea which you

would love.

regards,

Sudheer.

Reply


By the way guys reading this site:

by solar mains hybrid UPS system, i mean:

a) When PV power is available, AC loads run on it.

b) When PV not enough loads automatically switch over to GRID supply and in case GRID supply not

proper or no supply, the AC loads run on battery bank inverted to pure sine wave AC.

*All this switching is automatic and no user intervention required*

battery bank can be charged on PV power or GRID power, PV powering preference given to

supplying load first and any excess power available will be used to charge battery bank.


Reply

Marc November 19, 2012 @ 7:38 am

Dear Shady Abeid, Sudheer Srivastav and Apprentice electrician in QLD,

I am also working on some ideas to apply hybrid solar technology for our small wastewater treatment

systems. Please contact me atstruftepete@ yahoo.com

Reply
http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47828http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47828http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47828mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=47828#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=47828#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47832http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47832http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47832mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=47832#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=47832#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-50799http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-50799http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-50799mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=50799#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=50799#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=50799#respondmailto:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-50799http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=47832#respondmailto:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47832http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=47828#respondmailto:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-47828


16/27


Dear Sam from QLD, Marc, Shady Abeid from Poland and all others interested in this Solar Mains

Hybrid Power system:

Please contact me at the below mentioned mail ids:


Many people are requesting about this kind of system and are very enthusiastic about achieving this

type of product implementation

I have a very good concept and design.

I am an Electronics & Instrumentation Engineer with good experience in Analysis, Design &

Implementation of Solutions for any requirement. I am also a Microsoft & Cisco certified IT

professional. I have worked as a Project Engineer Infrastructure Rollout/Management with 8 yrs of

experience.

Other than that I am an avid researcher of Alternative Energy Technologies and Alternative

Propulsion Systems.

By Alternative Energy Technologies, i DO NOT mean Solar/Wind/Geothermal etc (i have in my mind

an entirely different concept of alternative energy tech) BUT at present Solar Power is the only

Alternative Energy Technology which the alternative energy technology Suppressors will allow people

to use because they consider that it cannot outrun peoples dependence on Oil & Gas as solar panels

havent even touched the 50% conversion efficiency mark.

The reason why I am contacting all of you is because i want to design, implement and market a

product which will make solar power a cost-effective viable option for everyone to use.

Presently the solar power products sold in the market demands a higher battery bank capacity for

supporting larger loads for longer time and solar power is used ONLY FOR CHARGING OF

BATTERY BANK and not powering AC loads directly.

I dont see any sense in converting solar energy to electrical energy, then to chemical energy by

storing in batteries, and then back to electrical energy via DC-AC inverters
http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51342http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51342http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51342mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51342


17/27

Grid-Synchronous Solar Inverters are not great because as per the regulation laid down by Power

Companies, they must power down when the grid supply fails.which means they cant be used

when grid supply is downthis contradicts the very meaningful usage of solar power!

I have searched all over the Internet and the above mentioned systems only are sold. I have tried

contacting some mass production centers in Mainland China for mass producing my concept

according to the excellent design specifications i have made, but none are yet up to the point of being

able to understand the efficiency of the direct energy conversion system such as the one I am talking

about.

Then I searched more vigorously and found this blog and i am thrilled that I am not alone in this

thought process of wanting to make a high-efficiency direct conversion solar power system.

I am looking for like minded professionals/Organizations/VCs who are interested and very serious

about this Solar-Mains Hybrid Energy System design, development and marketing on a very large

scale basis and also exporting the product to other potential markets across the world.

WE NEED TO DECREASE THE DEPENDANCE ON THE FOSSIL FUELS/GRID POWER FOR THE

SAKE OF REDUCING OUR ELECTRIC BILLS AND ALSO TO MASSIVELY REDUCE THE

POLLUTION DUE TO BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER.

I have a very good concept for the Solar-Mains Hybrid Power System to design it from scratch and I

also know the exact parametric design methodology to ensure the highest possible efficiency and

cost-effectiveness of this system.

(High-efficiency Inverter design, precise Solar MPPT design, fully automatic transfer between

solar/grid/battery operating modes, Load Detection & Management to restrict battery bank size to

bare minimum, battery chemistry suitable for solar and design of charger suitable for most efficient

charging etc)

I am eagerly waiting for a response.

Regards,

Sudheer

Reply

off grid solar system November 20, 2012 @ 1:18 pm
http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51342#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51342#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51303http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51303http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51303http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-51303http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51342#respond


18/27

Thanks for sharing. The way illustrated is really fantastic and informative to know.

Reply

Christian November 25, 2012 @ 5:20 pm

Hallo guys

I have moved to south africa where laws on grid-tie not are like in europe. we are not allowed to feed

electricity back to the grid at all. So people build stand alone systems. Im trying to find an inverter with

an intern switch, that can use my power from my panels and batteries. And when night falls it must be

able to switch to the grid automaticly. But never feed electricity back to the grid. Can anyone show me

a website with that kind of inverter?You can also check this link to see what i mean. The only problem with the picture on this link is that

the system feeds overproducing electricity back on the

grid.http://www.clevertec.co.za/Figure_2.html

Regards

Christian

Reply

sudheer srivastav November 28, 2012 @ 8:22 am

Hey Christian,

Google the thing dude! South Africa is one place which adopts latest technologies much quicker than

the rest of the world.so the kind of thing you want would surely be available there. Heres one link

which has a Solar UPS with a AC transfer switch.which means it transfers load between AC mains

and Solar power.

http://www.bluesunenergy.co.za/products.php?catID=22&cat=UPS/SOLAR%20UPS

What you need is a DC to AC Inverter with LOAD TRANSFER Switch

Reply

sudheer srivastav

November 28, 2012 @ 8:29 am
http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51303#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51303#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-53567http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-53567http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-53567http://www.clevertec.co.za/Figure_2.htmlhttp://www.clevertec.co.za/Figure_2.htmlhttp://www.clevertec.co.za/Figure_2.htmlhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=53567#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=53567#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54884http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54884http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54884http://www.bluesunenergy.co.za/products.php?catID=22&cat=UPS/SOLAR%20UPShttp://www.bluesunenergy.co.za/products.php?catID=22&cat=UPS/SOLAR%20UPShttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54884#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54884#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54887http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54887http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54887http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54887http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54884#respondhttp://www.bluesunenergy.co.za/products.php?catID=22&cat=UPS/SOLAR%20UPShttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-54884http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=53567#respondhttp://www.clevertec.co.za/Figure_2.htmlhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-53567http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=51303#respond


19/27

Everyone reading this Blog,

First of all we have to says Kudos to Mathias!

If not for him having taken time to create this blog and give the information which created interest in

folks like us.all this information exchange and discussion would not be taking place.

Thank You Very Much Mathias.

regards,

Sudheer


Reply

s.k.vinod kandan December 3, 2012 @ 5:34 pm

Hi, i am looking for Solar Off grid inverter from countries within europe also as per european

standards,the range is from 1KW 10KW.So can you refer any reputed company.

Reply

sudheer December 5, 2012 @ 8:23 am

Hi Vinod,

are you looking for solar inverters to install them for customers in europe or do you want to import

solar inverters from europe? where are you located? Have you considered the fact that a solar hybrid

system is way much efficient and extremely cost-effective than a pure off-grid system?

regards,

Sudheer.


Reply

sudheer January 1, 2013 @ 7:50 am
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54887#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54887#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56314http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56314http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56314http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=56314#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=56314#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56570http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56570http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56570mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=56570#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=56570#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-60150http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-60150http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-60150http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-60150http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=56570#respondmailto:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56570http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=56314#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-56314http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=54887#respondmailto:[email protected]


20/27

Hi Mathias, Shady Abeid, Sam, Matjaz and everyone

WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

I am feeling very enthusiastic about 2013 and hoping that the need for designing a direct conversion

solar mains hybrid power system will be felt more than ever. I am calling upon all those

people/professionals with advanced electronics knowledge and those electronic design engineers

with access to high-end electronic CAD simulation software to achieve this goal. I am hoping for a

good response in this year 2013.

Regards,

Sudheer.



Reply

A RAMMOHAN REDDY January 17, 2013 @ 8:08 pm

Dear Sudheer,

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU.

The concept you had in mind is one of the best what Indians need at this time.

I live in Andhra Pradesh and I am very much interested to know more about your concept of

PV to loads, in case of inadequacy of PV then Grid and in case of Grid power cut then battery bank to

loads.

If you have developed a suitable inverter or know about someone who has one of this type, I request

you to share the same with me.

Thanks

RAMMOHAN

Reply

Tim Chapman January 23, 2013 @ 8:07 pm
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=60150#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=60150#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-63421http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-63421http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-63421http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=63421#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=63421#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-64986http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-64986http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-64986http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-64986http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=63421#respondhttp://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-63421http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/?replytocom=60150#respondmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


21/27

I think the Outback Radian series of inverter would work for this application.only drawback I can

find is that the battery bank should be close to the inverter itselfdont think my wife would go for

batteries in the family room.

Reply

Paul Russell January 25, 2013 @ 7:23 pm

Everyone is talking about storing excess solar electricity in secondary electrical cells but there are

other ways to store energy. There is a solar thermal power plant in Spain that collect solar energy

using parabolic troughs that are focused on oil filled tubes, the hot oil is then used to produce steam

or to heat molten salt, storing the heat for later use. Other ways that utilities store electricity is to use itto pump water up to a higher elevation and, when the energy is needed, let it flow back down through

a turbine. There is also mechanical storage using flywheels or as a pressurised hydraulic liquid or

compressed gas. Or, in my opinion, converting the electricity into a storable, chemical fuel that can

then be used in a engine, such as Hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, however H2 can be

difficult fuel to store and use, so, better yet, use the H2 to produce Methane, the chief component of

Natural Gas & Biogas, a fuel made to the rotting of organic matter in low-O2 environment, by

combining it with CO2, for the Biogas, for example, using the Sabatier process. H2O produced during

the process and the combustion of the Methane can go back into the electrolyzer and the CO2 can be

recycled through the process. Oxygen produced during electrolysis can be either dumped or used to

combustion of the Methane in a pure O2 environment, lowering NOx emissions

Reply


unable to post reply.some error creeps up saying:

we cant find the page you are looking for, press back button or gotohomepage

Reply

Mathias January 31, 2013 @ 1:09 am

Hi Sudheer,


22/27

Did it work for you now?

Reply


Hi Mathias,

i am glad to receive a message from you. Well i dont know the exact reason( maybe its a character

limit, paragraph limit or something) but i am not able to post my complete reply to those reading this

blog and asking if i made an inverter or know someone who made it. Till now i have been able to post

only half of my detailed reply.

I am trying to make people understand of the new concept of direct energy conversion to avoid huge

battery bank and also hoping to get in touch with electronic design professionals (such as shady

abeid) with access and expertise in electronic CAD simulation software, so that i can come up with a

solar-mains hybrid power system which is 98% efficient and does the required job.

Reply

Mathias January 31, 2013 @ 9:16 pm

Hi Sudheer,

You should be able to publish the entire comment now.

Regards,

Mathias

Reply


Dear All,

I would like to clarify something. I am receiving many emails and posts asking me if I made some

inverter or if I know someone who made it.

First of all I would like to point out that the word Inverter is being used very loosely. If by that you

mean a large black box which hooks on to a couple of batteries and wires run to the mains panel in


23/27

your home and it beeps when there is a power cut..NO IAM NOT MAKING THAT AGE OLD

INVERTER STUFF.

What I made is a SOLAR-MAINS HYBRID POWER SYSTEM. Please dont call it as an Inverter or

compare it with the crappy inverter stuff available in market.

My device has the following sectional blocks:

1) Solar Panel Array Output Conditioner: This is the first section which takes the varying output from

Solar Array and makes sure that its steady and the maximum possible power is being drawn from the

solar panel at any given time between reasonable limits of Dawn & Dusk. (Maximum Power Point

Tracking)

2) Second stage is an Inverter circuit (it is an IGBT based electronic inverter circuit. Dont confuse the

word Inverter with a big box sold in the market and which is hooked to batteries).

The inverter stage is unlike ordinary ones and accepts different range of voltages from either a solar

array output conditioner or battery bank. Normally you would need 2 inverter stages (which increases

cost significantly) one for solar array and one for battery bank but I figured out a method to merge

both together into one single module/section to reduce cost and duplicity of components.

3) Third stage is a microprocessor based precision battery bank charger which also alerts if there is a

failure in battery bank. You need to write a program in C or better in Assembly Programming

Language for that microprocessor to execute commands faster.

4) The fourth stage is a Load Control and Management circuit. It senses when the solar array output

is enough to run the LOAD and connects the LOAD to it. When solar output drops or load increases

beyond solar output handling capability, it connects LOAD to MAINS. When both solar and grid power

are not available, the MINIMAL BATTERY BANK powers critical loads such as computer etc. Also this

system is designed to run few ceiling fans and tube lights etc overnight. Lets say there is a power cut

from 10PM tonight till 7AM next morning.you can have at least two ceiling fans running for a

comfort sleep with a minimal low cost battery bank.

So in my design, there is no huge battery bank stage. Hence it is a direct energy conversion system

which is the best possible for a low cost solar-mains hybrid power system. Currently I planned this

system to be able to provide upto 4kW of power. So it will be able run LCD TVs, Refrigerators,

Ceiling Fans, Tube Lights and Washing Machine etc simultaneously upto 4kW max. Minimal battery

bank will provide backup only to smaller loads like ceiling fans, LCD TV, Desktop Computer etc and

not to washing machine or refrigerator. All this segregation of large inductive loads and critical loads

will be taken care of by the device without any human intervention.


24/27

I have a design which is about 75% efficient. I am trying to select new and latest components from

various Semiconductor and Power MOSFET manufacturers..trying to simulate the revised versions

with electronic CAD simulation software and come up with a final version of the device which has a

98% efficiency. The Electronic CAD software are expensive (USD 5000), there are many simulation

models file formats and I need to have access to these to get the job done. The only person in this

forum who claims to have run simulations has still not responded to my messages to him and neither

do I have his direct contact details.

If anyone can search and find a device in the market which does exactly what I described

above.please be my guest. Ive been searching for more than 3 months and I am sure no such

device is available in the marketthat was the reason why I took up this project. I have already

mentioned in my latest post that I am expecting response from electronic design professionals having

knowledge and access to such softwares so that I can come up with the final solution after running

simulations using those software.

I have no argument with those who mailed me saying:

We can buy solar panels, an Inverter, a battery charger which are commonly available in the market

and assemble them all to make the device you are talking of

Well if anyone can just buy those individual devices and hook them up and do exactly what I said for

USD 300-500 (excluding cost of solar panel array), with an efficiency of 98% and not to mention the

complete automated load segregation and management (0% human intervention), once again please

be my guest.

Guys, I am struggling to get access to those expensive high-end software, be able to open all those

various electronic components simulation model file formats from different manufacturer websites and

run those simulations to achieve a final revision with 98% efficiency! Any help will be deeply

appreciated.


Reply

MANUEL RIOSECO O February 6, 2013 @ 3:05 am

I have a off-grid hybrid wind and solar system. Is there any possibility to convert a off-grid to a on-grid

system

Reply
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Sudheer February 12, 2013 @ 10:47 am

Dear Manuel,

what exactly do you mean by off-grid to on-grid conversion?

If you mean that once your off-grid battery bank runs out of juice, you would like the system to revert

to using grid power. Yes, that can be simply done.

All you need is a 110 or 230VoltAC DPDT(Double Pole Double Throw) Power Relay rated for your

total load amperes.

I dont know how to post a circuit diagram here but will be glad to email it to you.

Brief Explanation:

Your off-grid Inverter Live and Neutral terminals are connected to this Power Relay Coil and also to

one contact each of the double poles. Grid Inputs Live and Neutral terminals coming from your

house circuit breaker are connected to the other two respective poles. The LOAD is connected to

the common terminals of the relay poles.

(THOUGH THIS IS A SIMPLE TASK, I REQUEST YOU TO TAKE HELP OF QUALIFIED

ELECTRICAL PERSONNEL TO DO THIS WIRING TO PREVENT RISK OF SHORT-CIRCUIT AND

DEATH/INJURY)

When your off-grid inverter is supplying power, the relay coil is energized and connects your house

LOAD to itself. When your off-grid Inverter stops because battery bank ran out of juice, the relay coil

is de-energized and LOAD gets connected to Grid Mains Input. This means 0% human intervention.

(ALWAYS TREAT ELECTRICITY WITH RESPECT OR ELSE IT MIGHT GET YOU KILLED)

Here is a link for the relay:

http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/DPDT-10a-Power-Relay-230v-Ac-60-1676

You can buy one from Ebay or preferably from a local electrical & hardware store.

regards,

Sudheer

http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-71219http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-71219http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-71219http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/DPDT-10a-Power-Relay-230v-Ac-60-1676http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/DPDT-10a-Power-Relay-230v-Ac-60-1676mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/DPDT-10a-Power-Relay-230v-Ac-60-1676http://energyinformative.org/grid-tied-off-grid-and-hybrid-solar-systems/#comment-71219


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