Grid tie considerations

 Hi, I'm currently considering the options of installing both a wind turbine
and solar panels and connecting the output of these to our grid system.
Information is very sketchy here in the UK and I am seeking the advice of
those who have perhaps already done this.

My main question is what technology is involved in connecting the inverter
to the grid, is it simply a matter of connecting the output of the inverter
to a spare spur and away you go? Is there not a problem matching the phase
of the grid system to that of the inverter and what is the impact on the
inverter if connected to the mains circuit? Should there be a form of
isolation between the two? Does any of the inverter output feed back into
the grid, at night time for example and what would be the expected impact on
the overall consumption of house hold electric on a daily basis?

Unfortunately I can't find anyone who is willing to discuss this on a non
commercial basis as they all want to sell me a complete system and install
it for me. What I am trying at this stage to understand the technology
involved which will help me make the decisions in the future.

Thanks in advance

Tom

 

On Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:33:56 GMT, "Classic-Car-World Ltd"


This should get you started
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/25/learn.asp . If you connect as in the
lower diagram that includes a battery bank, you could also add a wind
turbine and a separate charge controller in parallel with the solar
array. This manual http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/610/docserve.asp
should explain all the possible variations on a typical
battery-equipped system. There are other options also.  

Wayne

 

Thanks Wayne, the manual is very informative.

It seems that the inverter has a built in sync circuit which only connects
the inverter via relays after the grid & inverter phases are in sync.

Regards

Tom

 Classic-Car-World Ltd said the following on 2/1/2007 11:33 AM:

Unfortunately here in N. Idaho, USA the local power provider requires
that you provide $1M worth of insurance if you connect to the grid to
supply your excess power.  Supposedly to protect the linemen.

--

Kirk

"Screw the planes, take a train", Me

 

  A million dollars liability insurance doesn't seem like
all-that-much,  these days  ...  wonder what it costs ?
The homeowner already has some liability included in his policy ..
 jt