Les Jones: Something I Didn't Know About PV Solar

January 25, 2008

Tech > Something I Didn't Know About PV Solar

One reason I read Matt McGlynn is to read about his experience with photovoltaic solar power. Matt lives in California and suffered through the recent wind storms and power outages. Here's something I wouldn't have guessed:

During the last long blackout five years ago, I commented that I’d rather spend money on a solar-electric system than a generator. I’ve done that, and just like last time, sunny skies have returned long before the electricity. But I’ve since learned that grid-tied PV systems don’t work without the grid. So although the system on my roof could easily power us through a houseful of warm showers and overdue loads of laundry, it’s as cold and dark as we are inside. We’ll end up buying a generator anyway.

I guess it depends on how your PV system is set up, maybe? It seems like a cutover switch would solve that problem.

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Comments

Most Grid intertie systems don't have batteries. If their are batteries, disconnecting from the grid (should be a disconnect by the meter) would allow the inverter to start up again.

Grid intertie shuts down when the grid does, else your inverter would be sending electricity out to the grid. This could electrocute any power company employees who were working on the line.

You need batteries too.

Posted by: Zendo Deb at January 25, 2008

Most people like the idea of battery-less systems, because A) batteries are expensive, B) batteries require maintenance or they die a premature death - and can even become dangerous, and C) they need special enclosures or they will be dangerous. (Actually "special" can be a plywood box with a vent to the outside, but most people don't want to be bothered.

(And that should be "there" not "their" in the first post)

Posted by: Zendo Deb at January 25, 2008

Yeah, you'd need batteries. I guess he doesn't have any.

I totally see the appeal of not having batteries. Saves expense and space and maintenance/replacement. But it isn't a fully-functional system then. Pros and cons either way.

Posted by: Les Jones at January 26, 2008