I'm curious about setting up a solar power system without batteries that's connected to my house. The idea is to reduce reliance on the grid, but I want to know if it's possible to disconnect from the grid during an outage to avoid back-feeding while still powering certain loads in my home. Would this setup require a sub-panel to select the essential loads that could stay powered? I'm imagining something similar to how a generator would work, but always running when there's sunlight.
3 Answers
You could look into some string inverters that have features for small loads even with no grid power, like the SMA Sunny Boy Storage with Secure Power Supply. But really, you're better off considering a battery solution. It might feel like a luxury item now, but it can save you a lot of headaches during cloudy days.
Unfortunately, it’s a no-go for this kind of setup. Solar power can be pretty inconsistent since production can fluctuate, especially with passing clouds. If the inverter can’t keep up with the demand, it'll just shut off. Plus, standard grid tie inverters rely on the grid’s power frequency and can't generate their own, so they won’t work in a blackout without a battery or hybrid setup.
If you're looking to power some essential loads during an outage without hurting your system, you might face challenges. But don't shy away from batteries! They're much more affordable now and can save you from constant disruptions. They can also offer better peace of mind when the grid goes down.