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Grid Tie

Grid Tie

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Grid tie systems allow you to start reducing your carbon footprint easily. PV panels generate electricity and seamlessly interconnect with the utility power line using proven technology. When you generate a surplus of power, your meter spins backwards! When you need more power than your panels generate, the utility connection meets those needs. Because the electrical system remains connect to the utility power, not having “enough” electricity to meet your needs is never an issue. The PV panels will produce power whenever the sun shines but when cloudy days come along, your electrical service continues to function normally. If, at a later date you wish to add more panels to offset your electrical bill, a grid tie system can be designed to be expanded as your budget allows. Because grid tie systems have no batteries, they require virtually no maintenance on your part. Occasionally, the panels might need a hosing down if they get coated with dust, but that is about it. Extended warranties of 10 years are now common for Grid Tie inverters. Most PV panel manufacturers offer 25 year warranties. After you initial payback period, you will enjoy decades of producing your own electrical power while helping to lower carbon emissions! Grid tied systems have one negative aspect. If the utility power goes down, the inverter also shuts down and you have no power, even though the sun may be shining and the PV array is producing electricity. If you wish to have an electrical system that continues to function when the utility is down please consider a Grid Tie with Battery Backup System Reliable and simple, Grid Tie systems are an excellent choice for people who want to generate their own electricity.

Grid Tie with Battery Backup

Grid Tie with Battery Backup

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If you occasionally experience power outages and want the security of continuous power with no hassle, then these systems may be for you. When the grid goes down, your PV system will continue to function and provide you with power for your home.

Using maintenance free gel cell batteries, the battery bank is a reserve for cloudy times or at night. It is important to know that these battery banks are intended for short term use (hours not days) if you experience or expect to experience prolonged electrical outages, DCSE can design and install a GENERATOR BACKUP SYSTEM  to interface with your PV array.

Off Grid

Off Grid

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Off Grid systems are self contained, independent of the utility provider. They are the choice when you are either too far away from the grid or want to be totally independent. Using PV arrays and a wet cell battery bank, you generate and store energy for current or later use. An Off Grid system can only supply a fixed amount of power. Unless the system is designed and installed with excess capacity you cannot just continue to add more loads without risking damage to the system. If your battery bank is severely discharged, the battery life is drastically shortened. And, because battery banks have a “memory”, you cannot add more batteries at a later date to increase capacity. The battery bank must be sized to match the expected load and installed at the same time for optimum performance. These systems are expensive, somewhat complex and require regular monitoring of all the components. Because frequent maintenance is required for maximum system lifespan off grid systems are recommended for those willing to invest the time required.

Generator Backup Systems

Generator Backup Systems

It is important to know that most consumer generators produce “dirty power” What this means is that the electrical waveform produced by the generator is highly variable, with the voltage and frequency clipped and erratic. The power from most utilities is carefully controlled and generally of very high quality. While most consumer appliances can tolerate “dirty power” for short periods with no serious damage, you will not be able to use the typical generator to power your electrical system if you have a grid tied inverter. DCSE can design and install a generator system that is compatible with the PV array.