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Forum Index : Solar : Newie Grid Tie Qs

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Art_

Newbie

Joined: 22/10/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 30

Posted: 12:23am 30 Nov 2007

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Hi Guys,
I can Google, but everyone wants to sell me a grid tie package of course.

I am curious as to what the difference is between an off grid
system, and a grid tie package.

I know the difference in functionality, just talking hardware wise.
Google yields chit chat about grid tie inverters, so I now
assume you also need a meter for the power you are selling.
Is that correct?
Edited by Art_ 2007-12-01

If not actually, then potentially.

Zeusmorg
Newbie

Joined: 29/11/2007
Location:
Posts: 5

Posted: 03:18am 30 Nov 2007

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Different areas have different regulations/requirements for grid-tie systems.
Here for example only bi-directional meter is needed(you can watch it spin backwards).Other utilities require a separate meter.
The biggest differences between grid-tie and off grid is for off grid you need a battery bank but the inverters are less expensive. Grid tie uses an inverter that has a safety system that shuts down in case of a grid failure (to protect utility workers). So with grid tie and no battery backup/separate inverters, you loose power if your grid goes down.

Art_

Newbie

Joined: 22/10/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 30

Posted: 11:12pm 30 Nov 2007

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Ok, thanks, I did learn quite a bit just there.

If not actually, then potentially.

wind-pirate

Senior Member

Joined: 01/02/2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 101

Posted: 12:37am 02 Dec 2007

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Note:
Grid tie systems require a lot of money to purchase a system that will produce more power than you will be able to use. A good start is to cut down on the amount of power you use. It is much cheaper to cut down than to produce.

The pirate

THE Pirate.
stealing wind & solar energy is fun

Art_

Newbie

Joined: 22/10/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 30

Posted: 02:53am 02 Dec 2007

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It's mainly just education for me with regard to larger systems.
I am meeting my needs for my small installation,
but several aspects of grid tie systems didn't automatically occur to me,
like the backward spinning meter for example.

I can bet what a sense of satisfaction you would get seeing
that happen.

If not actually, then potentially.

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