System Options
1. Grid-Interactive Solar System
Through the use of a Grid-Interactive inverter, solar panels supply power to household and,
when excess power is being produced by the panels, they supply power to the electricity grid.
When insufficient power is being produced, household power is supplied partially, or fully,
from the power grid.
2. Stand Alone Solar System
A stand alone, or autonomous, power system provides for the power needs
of the household without reliance on the electricity grid. This system requires a larger
number of solar panels which can be accommodated on the roof space. Batteries are used to
store the energy from the solar panels for use during times without sunlight. The building
would need to incorporate a small room or shed on the building's South (cool) side to house
the battery bank.
3. Stand Alone Hybrid System
A hybrid renewable energy power system utilises two or more energy
production methods, usually solar panels and a small wind turbine.
The major advantage of wind energy is that when used together with solar panels, the
reliability of the system is enhanced. Additionally, the size of battery storage can be
reduced as there is less reliance on one method of power production. Often, when there
is no sun, there is plenty of wind. Our customised software would be used to optimally
size the hybrid power system.
Renewable Energy for Everyone
Grid-Interactive systems are particularly suited to residential
applications because they do not require batteries to store the energy produced from the solar
panels and are a cost efficient and trouble-free way of utilising solar energy.
With the grid-interactive power system, electricity is generated by the solar panels with
the DC electricity from the panels passing through a grid-interactive inverter. The inverter
converts the DC electricity into AC electricity which is then used by any loads operating in
the house. If there is surplus electricity being generated by the panels, the inverter would
feed the electricity into the main electricity grid. Conversely, when the panels aren't
generating enough electricity to power the house, the grid would supply power to the house
via the inverter.
Energy Australia and NorthPower are supportive of grid-interactive
systems, and will pay for electricity generated in excess of the amount used during
the billing period.
With the grid-interactive solar system, greenhouse gases are not produced. The house would
be adding to "Green Power" generating capacity and actively supplying power for other
users as well as providing power for much of its own use.
