On-Grid Wind and Solar Electric Systems with Battery Backup

     This type of system is for those who want protection from blackouts and other power loss but still want to be connected to the grid.

This system has all of the features and benefits of a standard grid-tied system:

     But with the additional benefit of uninterruptible power. With this system, you can still take advantage of the net metering, incentives, and grid connection benefits.

With the battery backup, you are still connected to the grid as with the standard grid-tied system:

     But when the utility grid is down - the battery backup kicks in and delivers power to critical appliances and electrical devices (refrigerator, radio, electric heater, computers, etc.) when you need it most.

This means that you are protected by blackouts or any other power loss:

     This can provide peace of mind in a time of uncertainty of our existing electricity infrastructure. However, the battery backup option adds about 20% to the cost of the system.

Below is a diagram of a typical On-Grid Solar Energy system with battery backup, including the basic (and optional) components and configuration. This can also be applied to a Wind Electric System:

How it works:

     1) Sunlight hits the solar module then converts the light into electricity.
OR
     2) Wind strikes the turbine blades, turning the generator and turning this energy into electricity.
     3) This electricity travels through wires to the charge controller, which senses battery voltage and regulates battery charging - the electricity is then used to keep the batteries fully charged to ensure uninterruptible power
     4) The remaining electricity is then transferred to the inverter, which takes the electricity from the solar module or wind generator (DC electricity) and converts it into the electricity your home needs to run your appliances, lighting, etc. (AC electricity)
     5) This AC electricity then travels to your standard utility breaker box, and is supplied to your utility net meter which then feeds the electricity both to your home and to the electrical utility grid.
     6) In the event of an emergency (blackout or power loss), your system automatically begins to draw power from the backup batteries and converts it into electricity. The Backed-Up AC Service Panel feeds into the appliances and other electrical needs you deem necessary in the event of power loss.