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Solar &
Wind Electricity
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You can power your electrical needs with solar (PV) photovoltaic
modules, wind turbines, fossil fuel or biofuel generators, the
utility grid or a combination of all of the above, depending upon
the resources available at your site.
Grid Connected,
No Batteries
In this
system, the solar array or wind turbines are connected directly to
the utility grid. When the sun or wind generates more electricity
than you need, the meter spins backward and the power flows
into the utility grid. At night, on cloudy days and/or when
there is not enough solar or wind to produce enough power to satisfy
your demand, the system gets electricity from the grid.
Switches must be included to completely disconnect the system from
the grid when it goes down. These systems do not provide power when
the grid power goes down, but the expense and maintenance of a
battery bank is eliminated.
Grid Connected
Battery Backup
This system is similar to the system described above, but it
includes a bank of batteries that can provide backup power for
pre-selected critical loads when grid power goes out. When a battery
bank is a part of the system, both wind and solar equipment can be
used. This system provides assurance that your critical electrical
needs are met even when the grid goes down, but batteries are an
additional expense and flooded batteries require maintenance.
Stand-Alone or
Off-Grid
Solar and/or wind charges a battery bank where power is stored for
use upon demand. There is no connection to the grid. A fossil fuel
generator is often used for backup. While the battery bank increases
the initial cost of a system and requires maintenance, a stand-alone
system is frequently a competitive choice for remote locations where
power lines are expensive or unavailable.
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