Solar Power for Your Home by David Findley

Author:David Findley
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
Published: 2010-03-06T05:00:00+00:00

FIGURE 7-8 Grid-connected PV system http://www.energysavers.gov/images/residential_grid_pv.gif

FIGURE 7-9 Ground-mounted PV http://www.truewest.ca/images/Inverter_Armstrong.jpg

FIGURE 7-10 PV controller http://www.cassidyautomation.ca/_2173624_edited-1.jpg

The inverter is connected to a controller if batteries are used. The controller directs the flow of electricity. The controller is then connected into a power meter that measures electrical flow in both directions (Figure 7-11). This is called net metering, and this is what allows you to send or sell surplus electricity to the grid. Batteries are optional to provide energy storage or backup power in the event of a power interruption or an outage from the grid.

Even if you live in a remote area, stand-alone PV systems with batteries can be purchased to store energy for later use. This type of PV system is common and easy to implement and use.

The type of system you choose is usually dictated primarily by cost. Backup systems, including batteries, generators, or hydrogen systems, can be used at an additional cost that most homeowners are unwilling to accept. Hybrid systems with fuel cells or generators are also possible, but these systems are significantly more expensive than a simple PV project.

This book focuses primarily on simple PV systems. Backup and hybrid systems are discussed, but because they are cost prohibitive and uncommon (Figure 7-12), they are not covered extensively. Finding an installer that can provide a complete hybrid system can also be difficult, though that could change in the future as these systems become more popular.

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