On grid / Off Grid networks together

**Softek2** · 18-08-12, 05:20 PM

Just wondering if it is possible to fit a grid tie solar system to an existing off grid network, or vice versa. There is not much about it in any of the forums. I am just exploring a possibility for later on with the intention of going off grid entirely.
Thanks in advance,
Softek

**macka17** · 10-09-12, 04:15 PM

Hi.

Don't know about the legalities of it. But Off Grid is normally battery power based.
Panels to Inverter to ??? x 2v cells. then drawn through Inverter or regulator to household.
On Grid is panels to inverter. 240v direct to house.

You'd need to convert 240 inverter output to whatever battery's voltages are.
Or run 240 from grid input direct to a 240 power board in house?.

A lot would depend on your consumables in house.
12\24\\240v and what needs what power.

Could get pretty complex. If converting from existing mix of.
Pretty easy if setting up from new.

I have a deadmans sw in my main power line to house. B4 the powerbox.
and a socket to suit plug from my generator. (out of sight....)

When we have powerout. I just throw sw. plug in my genny. and run house from it.
Power co's boxes have an auto trip off to solar whenever supply to house is cut.
So I can't use that. Bummer.

Macka17

**gordon_s1942** · 10-09-12, 05:17 PM

I think you may be able to now have an isolating switch installed so you can use the Solar Panels during a power outage.
I am certain these switches were available for people with 'Standby' Generators so no reason you shouldnt be able to have it for Solar panels too.
No idea though if it would work automatically or not as you wouldn't want it 'flipping' on and off as the mains can do during an 'outage'.
Obviously you wouldnt get any 'Credits' for power generated during the time your isolated from the Mains/meter.
I know they are used commercially as many 'Take Away' like KFC, McDonalds and hospitals etc have 'Standby Generators'.

**nomeat** · 10-09-12, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by gordon_s1942

I think you may be able to now have an isolating switch installed so you can use the Solar Panels during a power outage.
.

Grid tied inverters will NOT switch on without active mains for safety reasons.

Also the available power would become very unstable and with the first cloud probably fail.
Your fridge compressor will probably die first.

Off grid panels must be on batteries and the panel wiring must match the battery voltage.

Grid tied panels are in series (or groups of series) that can reach 260V. Far too high for batteries.

**macka17** · 11-09-12, 02:37 AM

Originally Posted by nomeat

Grid tied inverters will NOT switch on without active mains for safety reasons.

Also the available power would become very unstable and with the first cloud probably fail.
Your fridge compressor will probably die first.

Off grid panels must be on batteries and the panel wiring must match the battery voltage.

Grid tied panels are in series (or groups of series) that can reach 260V. Far too high for batteries.

Yes mate.

That's why I have the sw to throw. B4 starting genny.
Isolates me from grid. so any sparky's working on that line will NOT get a belt from my 3.5kva.
My input can only go the one way. into house...
Fridges. Lights. Kettle. and tele.
Safety first.

Macka

Thread: On grid / Off Grid networks together

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

On grid / Off Grid networks together

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions