Thinking of solar panels

Bricken

Ok i just joined have read a few threads.
I am considering solar power, i originally considered off grid, seems not really practical for financial reasons. just to point to my mindset. i would go totally off grid if it were possible/practical. Survivalist mentality.
A thought occured to me when considering a direct feed to the grid (fit) i think its called. What happens if there are power cuts does the grid still take the surplus power. or is there a shut down so the system does not overload? What happens in a black out do people with solar or wind power get police protection. Just thinking out loud.
BTW i think all the advice and ideas are great thanks apart from a few wierdo's like me he he

EricMears

Bricken wrote: »

Ok i just joined have read a few threads.
I am considering solar power, i originally considered off grid, seems not really practical for financial reasons. just to point to my mindset. i would go totally off grid if it were possible/practical. Survivalist mentality.
A thought occured to me when considering a direct feed to the grid (fit) i think its called. What happens if there are power cuts does the grid still take the surplus power. or is there a shut down so the system does not overload? What happens in a black out do people with solar or wind power get police protection. Just thinking out loud.
BTW i think all the advice and ideas are great thanks apart from a few wierdo's like me he he

You should certainly start by reading the 'sticky' post on FAQs. Then have a look at the page recommended for working out expected solar yields at your location (but take a careful look for potential shading problems).

Specifically, if there's a power outage in your area the inverter is programmed to switch OFF. It does this in preference to frying any linesman who didn't know you'd still be pumping power into an allegedly safe line.

You can of course isolate your house from the mains (if all else fails, pull the 100A "board's fuse" - usually 100A with an anti-tamper wire) then feed your inverter with a 230V supply from a generator / UPS / nearby house without cut / whatever. Have to point out that this isn't as simple as it might sound - you have to create a balanced environment where you use exactly what you generate else something blows up.

Bricken

Thanks are you saying that if the mains goes off the panels go off. and you have no power?

EricMears

Bricken wrote: »

Thanks are you saying that if the mains goes off the panels go off. and you have no power?

Exactly that.

Unless of course you are able to do some rather complex modifications.

Bricken

Thanks! just did some research on inverters. New food for thought as this does not fit my requirements as i want power in a blackout. and i dont want to jerry rig the mains to get it. off grid may have to be the answer.

EricMears

Bricken wrote: »

Thanks! just did some research on inverters. New food for thought as this does not fit my requirements as i want power in a blackout. and i dont want to jerry rig the mains to get it. off grid may have to be the answer.

Try Googling for "island function". This unit (from SMA) is the sort of thing that might do what you want.

But the things cost around a grand more than a 'basic' inverter (and you may need more than one for a large SP setup). I guess it depends on the view you take about the frequency & cost of outages whether or not the expense of buying one can be justified.