We just talked about solar installations with a local company's representative, and it looks like a great deal EXCEPT that the solar can't take over when the power goes out - supposedly because of safety concerns. If a repairman is working on a pole, we were told, a surge could come out of our installation and electrocute him. However, we already have a stand-by generator powered by LP gas which has a transfer switch so that when the power is out and the generator kicks in, it prevents the electricity from that device from entering the system beyond our home. I'm wondering why that can't work with solar energy and whether others have had the same experience with the same limitations.
Solar Set-Ups - Do They Function When the Grid is Down?
I have no experience with solar power but I'm sure it can be made to work. Surely some switch can be installed to separate you from the grid when you want to use the solar as a back-up.
That's what I think, but the representative says it can't substitute because of the reason he gave. And he knew that was one of my primary reasons for being interested in that technology so he'd have no reason to say it wasn't possible if he thought it was.
Hmmmm...
Is it possible that it could have something to do with the law? Are they purchasing your extra output? Could it be they don't want you to cut off what they legally perceive and account for monthly, as 'their' product/electricity?
Or something completely goofy, like they have liability insurance against failed generator systems and not solar.
honestly, have no clue. Just thinking out loud till the sun comes out :0)
We'll have to talk to some more people about this, I guess.
You've probably seen it, but http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54&order=desc&page=2
or
http://www.homestead.org/
good place to ask.
good luck, let us know what you decide or find out.
edited to add another link
This message was edited Mar 3, 2011 9:38 AM
Cocoa Lulu, you have to join those forums to ask questions, and the first one seems way too technical for us, although several people were talking about tying into the grid with their solar. I don't want to have to do a lot of research on this, which is why we went with a company for quotes and info, so I'm not sure where to check next!
I am not knowledgable but fascinated with solar technology. Years ago we had a customer that had set up a solar (backup only) system. He said he never knew when the city power went out until the neighbors began to call asking him why his lights were still on. It can be done and can be done safely. This customer has since moved further south and we have lost touch so I can't ask him for you. I would say yes, the technology is possible and the answer is out there somewhere.
The flippant side of me would have wanted to tell that rep that if a repairman was working , the d**& power wouldn't be out! 8 )
That's funny, podster. So yes, the technology is out there; I figured that it was.
We're going to have to ask around. DH already has some thoughts about who he'll call.
It absolutely 'can' be done, the issue is if it is allowed in your area. Here our local power company has just started allowing this in the last couple of years. Hope you get some answers!
Aha, thanks. I wonder, then, if it's a state regulation or if it's just specific power companies. I'm not interested in setting up a bank of batteries for long-term storage, but if the grid is down and the sun is shining it seems silly not to be able to use that energy.
When a lineman is working, s/he turns off the power to that section/pole and before commencing work, tests to make sure there is no power. If there is, s/he identifies the source and either turns it off or isolates the work area from it.
There would be no safety difference between an automatic solar back-up system and an automatic gas/diesel/propane generator back-up system that comes on when the power goes off. If excess energy from the solar system were being sold to the power company, there would (should) be a safety switch so emergency repairs could be made on either or both sides of the switch.
My conclusion is "they" want us to be utterly dependent on them so "they" can take our money.
GrayThumb, that's interesting; I didn't think there was a difference either, but we just talked to a friend last night who does large commercial installations and he quoted the same safety concern, so it must be something they're told regularly. I'd still like to hear from someone who actually has a setup whereby they can take advantage of the free solar energy if the grid is down and it's a sunny day. We don't want batteries and a huge off-grid setup, but if the sun's shining why not be able to use it in a power outage?