Hey everyone! I'm exploring options for a solar setup that can be both grid-tied and off-grid. My local utility has some strict rules, especially for systems over 10kW, which won't cut it for my house's needs. I'm stuck because the installers around here seem to be against using batteries. I'm currently considering a 10kW grid-tied system alongside an independent off-grid solution specifically for EV charging and heating water. I'm aware that interconnection might be a challenge, but I'm curious to hear any insights or experiences you might have with similar setups!
2 Answers
You can actually have a setup where your grid-tied system can connect to an independent off-grid system, though it’s usually one-way. This means you can utilize your grid connection if your off-grid setup runs low on power, but it can't send power back to the grid. You'll need to pay close attention to details like grounding to keep everything compliant. Plus, a well-designed off-grid component won't just go offline during a power outage, which is a definite win!
In my case, I use a propane tankless water heater, but sometimes I realize I lose out on excess solar energy production. It sounds like your place is quite a bit bigger than mine. My small home runs fine on a relatively small solar setup; we only cool our bedroom at night and use more efficient window AC units. Having grid power back us up is nice, but sometimes I wish I could send power back to the grid. It's all about balancing what you need with the right system!
I see what you mean! So, you’re saying I could keep the grid feed limit in check with software or something? My base load has been tricky to figure out, given that I have heavy-duty AC units. I’m thinking about a larger setup than 10kW, maybe around 17+, to get close to meeting my needs. I really need to dive deeper into the utility agreements to see how this might play out.