Solar & Battery inverters v Solar inverters

Solar Specific Inverters: Are commonly called a "Solar Only Inverter", as they can Only convert Solar DC Voltage into 240V AC voltage for Consumption, and can also Export any excess energy into the State Grid Distribution network when the Solar Array is Generating more Energy than is being Consumed.

During a State Grid Outage: Whilst Solar is Generating more Power than is being consumed, the Premises may Operate normally, However if suddenly Cloud Cover causes the Solar Power to drop to less than consumption, the Inverter will Shut Down. Some inverters may restart when Solar recovers or obviously the State Grid comes back on-line.

Solar Hybrid Inverters: Is a "Solar & Battery Inverters", and they are Bi-directional giving the option to manage DC & AC energy from several sources like Solar, Wind, Aqua Power and a Fuel Generator. We are only aware of two residential Hybrid Battery Inverters (LUX & YiY) that have a Built-in Automatic Generator Start (AGS) Function, obviously for Automatic Generator Starting it requires the Generator to have a Starter Motor & Battery, as those Inverters will automatically send a signal to Start & Stop the Generator as programmed, to either DOD, Voltage or Time triggered by the Inverter Software. Over Discharging batteries can severally shortens the life of most Energy Storage Technology, other than Nickel Iron & Super Capacitor Batteries.

As a Battery systems are installed "Behind The Meter", you have the Choice to offer your Excess Power too the State Grid for a FIT, However you will need to Gift 12kWh per Day = 375kWh energy Every Month, just to cover the $30 Monthly State Grid Connection Charge.

For those contemplating Freedom from Power Bills, could also consider a Mobile Power Station mounted onto a Box Trailer, that you simply Tow to site & Plug a 15Amp, Single Phase Caravan type Power Lead into your Power Box.

A Mobile Power Station consists of Solar Tracking Racking, Hybrid Battery Inverter and Energy Storage that will directly Powers your premises, with enough stored energy you can Power a premises 24/7 with No disruption to the power supply, and without the need for the State-Grid Power !

By law all Inverters Connected to the State Grid must have Anti-islanding Protection, this is an important & sophisticated safety feature built into all grid connect inverters, where the inverter's monitoring circuits detect the loss of grid power in fractions of a second, and switches off the ability to Export energy to protect linesmen working on the power lines kilometres away!

Inverter-Islanding or Anti-Islanding They are both operation modes that relates to a System that operate in isolation from the Electricity Distribution network, e.g. State Grid. NB: Retailers are NOT Distributors!

Meaning that Your Solar, Aqua & Wind Turbines Power Station has the ability to connect into the State Grid or Generate power independently in the event of a State grid power outage, however it is more complicated ...For more information Click here to Read More!

Can a Solar Only Inverter work during a state grid Outage ?

Commonly NO, Solar Only Inverters (without Energy Storage) need to have 240V AC power input into the inverter to continue Operating whilst Solar is being Generated, if there is No 240V input, and Not enough Solar Power being generated to Operate the Equipment being used, this will Cause a Disconnect, a DELTA inverter is one of the exception to that rule, as once the Solar Array increases to provide enough Power the 240V Supply will be provided !

Once disconnected, Solar Only Inverter will stay Shut down until Solar Power increases or the State grid reconnect. The Delta inverter will let Solar supply Power to your Premises, while the Solar is Generating enough Power, if the Solar Power drops below the Inverter start-up OR Energy Draw, the Inverter will dropout!

The Solution: ADD a Hybrid Inverter & Battery Systems, as that allow your system to work as a stand alone Power Station during a State Grid Blackout if Connected. These are commonly incorporated with Energy Storage & fuel Generator.

Ideally the correct sized battery bank will supply the building's full power needs for a Full 24hour Day, even if the solar array is not producing enough power at that time.

The State Grid connected system with an energy storage system should shut down any feed into the State Grid during a blackout, while allowing the Solar &/or Battery system to Power the premises. That should be your First priority.

Hybrid inverters converts and directs DC power too the Battery System first.

If you already have a Solar Array and looking to upgrade your energy independence by adding energy storage, a "Solar Only inverters" will Not charge your batteries, you could replace your solar inverter with a UPS Hybrid Inverter, it is actually better to install a new Hybrid inverter with those features incorporated.

If you are going to invest in Batteries, we strongly recommend you purchase the largest Battery bank you can afford, as an Inverter is the heart of a micro grid, that simply converts your battery DC voltage into AC voltage into either single or three phase power. Remember: It is easier to add additional Solar panels to increase your energy Generation anytime, than increase your energy storage capacity!

Without a doubt Energy Storage is the Foundation stone of energy independence, allowing you to create the best self sufficient Micro-Power-Grid possible!

NB: We recommend a 5kW inverter be the smallest, as that will cover all residential energy demands, in Australia a 5kW inverter is commonly the maximum size allowed when exporting energy/power into the state grid, unless you have upgraded to 30kW three phase wiring, you can use 10kW Inverters.