PMV Training

Going hybrid: Adding batteries to Grid-Connect Solar Systems

Going hybrid: Adding batteries to Grid-Connect Solar Systems

May 29, 2020


blog

Grid-Connect PV Solar Systems are most common in built up areas. An inverter is connected to PV Array and converts available solar irradiation into useful energy to the household and excess energy is supplied to the electricity grid. The homeowner usually receives a credit or a payment for that electricity that is exported to grid. This is called a feed in tariff.

Going off-grid may not be for everyone; a better route may be to ‘go hybrid’, by adding batteries to Grid-Connect Solar.

In recent time, Grid-Connect Solar Systems are becoming mainstream. As feed-in tariffs for solar export have dropped below the rates paid for grid electricity, householders are looking at ways to cut bills by making better use of their excess solar generation. One answer is to add batteries to create a hybrid system: a Grid-Connect Solar System with batteries for backup or load-shifting.

Some reasons why you may to add batteries to a grid-connect solar system are:

  1. To reduce electricity imported from the grid in the evening when tariff is high. Do not want to export all your surplus solar energy – you store it in a battery instead
  2. You want to have backup power available if the grid goes down

A regular solar power system cannot power your home when the grid goes does because the grid is required to either absorb the surplus solar energy of top-up insufficient solar. A good battery system will allow you to power some, or all your home if the grid goes down.

Solar Installation Training Courses offered by PMV:

Grid-Connect PV Systems – Battery Charge (Design & Install)

Provides competencies to design + install + maintain + fault find battery storage systems for Grid-Connect PV Solar Systems.

Duration: 4 days

Outcome:

  •  UEERE4001 Install, maintain and fault find battery storage systems for grid-connected photovoltaic systems
  •  UEERE5001 Design battery storage systems for grid-connected photovoltaic systems