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Grid Tie Interface Systems
INFORMATION:
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solar panels


UTILITY INTERFACE BACKUP SYSTEMS


When designing a utility backup/interface system it is critical that you size your battery bank properly. Let’s say you are tired of roaming blackouts that last two hours. Two hours isn’t enough time for your freezer to melt or refrigerator to start making science projects. However, two hours is a long time to be without lights, radio, computer, phones, sump pump in the basement during a rain storm or no cash register for a business. It is very simple to design a system that will only run the loads you need. A qualified electrician can easily "pull" these circuits out of your service entrance and install a "sub" panel that powers these critical loads. This is where your backup/interface system is installed. It can automatically keep these loads on (islanding) while the rest of the house has no power because the utility power is off. You can take this scenario as far as you want. Longer duration of run times need bigger battery banks. More loads mean bigger inverters and bigger battery banks. We have designed and installed thousands of "stand alone" systems that run all the loads all the time. We have designed and installed the second largest utility interface/backup solar system tied to the PG&E grid.  This system was highlighted in the San Francisco Chronicle on 11/8/01. 

Utility interface/backup inverter systems are flexible as to the matching of solar power to inverter power.  The inverter size rating (watts) is the maximum the system can feed back into the grid. You can install more of less solar power then the actual inverter power rating. These systems are basically two systems.  One system controls solar power to the  batteries.  The other supplies battery power to the inverter.  The solar panel power must be matched with the solar panel input controls. Xantrex uses normal charge controllers.  So you could design the input circuit around any charge controller you desire.

Go to www.advancepower.net to access different types of batteries for the above systems.

Don’t see what you want? Design your own system and e-mail it to us. We’ll give you a quote .
 

GRID TIE WITH BACKUP INCENTIVES:

New Residences that include a Utility Grid Tie Interface Systems with Backup are eligible for an incentive of up to $2.50 per watt from the New Solar Homes Partnership as calculated by their NSHP Solar Calculator. Existing Residences and Businesses adding a Grid Tie System under 30kW that includes Backup will use the CSI Calculator which gives the Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB) amount. The current maximum rebate for PG&E is $1.10 per Watt for Residential and Commercial Systems.
All System over 30kW will be paid monthly by their Utility for the power they actually produce. This program, called the Performance Based Incentive (PBI), lasts for 5 years and includes the power you use and the power you send to the Utility Grid. The current rebate is $0.15 per kWh for Residential Systems and $0.15 per kWh for Commercial Systems. Go to the California Solar Initiative website for more information and application forms.
Residential and Commercial Systems also get a tax credit or cash grant based on 30% of the system cost minus the cost of storage batteries, charge controllers and associated wiring and installation of the backup components.

UTILITY BACKUP SYSTEMS USING SUNNY ISLAND BY SMA : 

This inverter will work in conjunction with utility interface systems, generators, wind machines or any other source that supplies power when the grid goes down.
ADVANTAGES:
This inverter can be added to any existing SMA utility interface system and will provide power when the grid goes down.
Multiple Sunny Islands can be installed to accomodate 120/240 circuits and/or higher power needs.
DESIGN:
The big difference with this system and the historic way a backup system is designed is that this system is designed around "AC coupling" not "DC coupling". Instead of wiring the solar panels to the DC (battery bank usually through a charge controller) side of a system, the solar panels are wired into high voltage strings and Sunny Boy inverter(s). The Sunny Boys take the solar power and convert it to normal AC power (just like your utility interface systems) that supply a common "AC buss". When the grid is "up" the Sunny Island allows the Utility company power to "Pass through" and provide a "signal" on the common AC buss. This "Pass through" circuit allows the Solar system to feed the grid, provide power to the loads and charge the battery bank (via the Sunny Island). During a power outage the Sunny Island acts as the grid by providing the signal that allows the Sunny Boy inverters to produce power. The AC buss provides power to the loads and battery charging. The available power is the combined power of the Solar system and Sunny Islands or generator. If the Solar system is not producing enough power the Sunny Island will step in and support the solar power production to accomodate the loads. If the battery voltage drops to a preset voltage the Sunny Islands can automatically start a generator to support loads and battery charging. If the solar power production is greater than the loads and the Sunny Islands senses the battery bank is fully charged the Sunny Islands will automatically "throttle" back the solar power production. During a power outage the amount of power generated by the solar system is controlled by the Sunny Islands and depends on the battery bank's state of charge and the power required by the loads. At night the Sunny Islands provide all the power to the loads via the battery bank.
When the Sunny Islands sense grid power has returned they will "phase shift" the solar and Sunny Island power to match the grid power for a smooth and reliable transition. The Sunny Islands can also accomodate a generator (the same way it accomodates the grid), to help with load sharing and battery charging during prolonged periods of power outages. This feature can be totally automatic for a smooth transition from grid to Sunny Island to generator. For more information on this exciting inverter go to www.sma-america. Or call us at 888-228-9694 (toll free) or 707-485-0588.

Sunny Island Specifications:
SI 4248U: ($3500.00)
4.2 kW (35 amps @ 120 vac @ 25 degrees C
Pass through Current 56 amps, 6.72 kW
12 kW surge (7.1 kW for 60 mins., 5.4 kW for 30 mins)
120 vac (two stacked will provide 240/120 vac)
48 vdc nominal (43 to 63 vdc)

Also available in a 5kW version: ($4300.00)

UTILITY INTERFACE/BACKUP SYSTEMS USING

XANTREX/OUTBACK INVERTERS: 

Xantrex/Outback manufactures complete prewired and assembled power systems (POWER PANELS) that can be truck freighted right to the job site. These systems supply power when the utility power is down and feed the power into the grid when the power is up to eliminate your electric bill. PLUS, they can accomodate a generator for prolonged power outages. In generator mode the inverters automatically recharge your battery bank. They can even be programmed to automatically start your generator at a preset low voltage point for a totally automatic and self contained energy system. If you don't see what you want give us a call or go to www.xantrex.com or www.outbackpower.com.

XANTREX:  SINE WAVE: 4KVA available 24 or 48 vdc input.  5.5KVA available only in 48vdc.  120 vac output.  Two sine wave inverters (same model) can be stacked for 240 vac output (requires stacking cable).  These inverers are stepped approximation of a true sine wave.  Computer controlled.  for more information on these incredible inverter go to www.xantrex.com.  Xantrex makes complete power panels.  Inverters, DC mains, Charge controller and everything else you need for a complete installation.  Power panels are totally prewired and can be shipped right to the job site.

      Utility interface/backup inverter systems are flexible as to the matching of solar power to inverter power.  The inverter size rating (watts) is the maximum the system can feed back into the grid. You can install more of less solar power then the actual inverter power rating. These systems are basically two systems.  One system controls solar power to the  batteries.  The other supplies battery power to the inverter.  The solar panel power must be matched with the solar panel input controls. Xantrex uses normal charge controllers.  So you could design the input circuit around any charge controller you desire. The CEC allows you to resubmit buydown requests whenever you increase your system solar power production.   

Go to www.advancepower.net to access different types of batteries for the above systems.

Don’t see what you want? Design your own system and e-mail it to us. We’ll give you a quote .
 

20 kW EXELTECH STAND ALONE SYSTEM

     We have designed and installed many 20Kw inverter systems (Exeltech). These systems range from 20 SR-100 to over 100 SR-100. Battery banks up to 4200 amp hour @ 48vdc. One system alone had six refrigerator & freezers. Dual electric ovens. 240 vac well and pressure booster pumps. Central heating & cooling. The main house is over 6,000 sq. ft.. The three car garage has Grammas apartment above it. Plus this system runs a complete woodworking shop. This client came to us because the winter was so severe and the snow was so high he had to climb out the upstairs window. Power was out for almost a month. This system powers all the loads all the time. If the solar panels and wind machine don't produce enough power we use the grid to power battery chargers. If grid power fails the generator comes on automatically to power the chargers. This system design eliminates phase shifts, sags and surges due to poor grid power.

MULTIPLE INVERTER SYSTEMS

We were the first company to design systems with multiple inverters. Many years ago we set up one of the largest cattle ranches in California with a 6 inverter system. These systems have been in use for years with very minimal problems or maintenance.

3 PHASE VINEYARD IRRIGATION SYSTEM

We designed and installed the first inverter powered 3 phase vineyard irrigation pumping system. Powered by Exeltech and 54 kWh of battery power.

44 kW EXELTECH STAND ALONE SYSTEM

We have just finished the installation of a dual 22 kW Exeltech system for a vineyard in Napa. This system powers 5 irrigation pumps, two well pumps and three air conditioners (one 2.5 ton and two 2 ton). This home also has a swimming pool and every appliance known to man. This system even powers the sensitive loads like Satellite phones, internet connections and computers. It is powered by a 65 kW propane powered generator that runs 3 to 4 hours a day on average. The four battery chargers require 60 kW. This system is supported by 233 kWh of battery storage and supplies, on average, 40 to 50 kWh per day. In the near future we will be installing 75 - 150 watt solar panels.

WORKING TO SOLVE YOUR ENERGY NEEDS SINCE 1978

We have consistently been in the forefront of this industry for over 20 years. Keeping true to our mission we are the first energy company to be able to supply you with fuel cells. This exciting technology is the future of energy production. We are a distributor for major fuel cell manufacturers.

We Test All Our Products
And Use Them at Our Home and Business
All prices Subject to Change


For more information or to order please call
1-888-228-9694 (toll free) or 707-485-0588 or E-mail us


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