Off Grid Solar Array into Household

[Michaelo271]

Hi

I have a 2kw off-grid solar array on my shed / garage feeding into an inverter which is feeding a consumer unit that runs lights / sockets etc.

Power is stored in a 6 volt battery bank of four 250Ah batteries.

Given the price of electricity, could someone please let me know (in laymans terms), how I can start using the energy generated in my solar array to feed my household electricity.

Thanks

Mike

 

[binky]

What are you using it for currently?

 

[binky]

Simple, get a grid tied the inverter wired to your board.

 

[Murdoch]

Is there mains power to the garage and if not why not?

 

[Michaelo271]

Hi, no there is no mains power to the garage. This is one of the main reasons that the solar was installed to provide power to the shed / garage.

 

[Michaelo271]

What are you using it for currently?

To power lights / sockets in the shed / garage.

 

[Michaelo271]

Simple, get a grid tied the inverter wired to your board.

Ah ok, and would this replace the off grid inverter that I currently have or would I add the grid tied inverter as well?

 

[binky]

Ah ok, and would this replace the off grid inverter that I currently have or would I add the grid tied inverter as well?

you would have to replace your current inverter with a 'grid tied' unit to be legal when connected to the grid. Obviously you will need mains leccy in the garage first.

 

[Murdoch]

Hi, no there is no mains power to the garage. This is one of the main reasons that the solar was installed to provide power to the shed / garage.

That’s where your problems start. Is it your land between the house and garage?

 

[Michaelo271]

you would have to replace your current inverter with a 'grid tied' unit to be legal when connected to the grid. Obviously you will need mains leccy in the garage first.

Thanks Binky

Why do I need mains leccy to the garage? Can I not run an armoured cable back to the house?

 

[Michaelo271]

That’s where your problems start. Is it your land between the house and garage?

Why do my problems start there?
Yes, it is my land between the house and garage.

 

[steptoe]

Thanks Binky

Why do I need mains leccy to the garage? Can I not run an armoured cable back to the house?

The inverter needs a mains connection, it will then backfeed electricity along the same cable to the house.

 

[binky]

Thanks Binky

Why do I need mains leccy to the garage? Can I not run an armoured cable back to the house?

Precisely, if your leccy isn't connected to the house it won't do anything for you.

 

[michael8554]

To

how I can start using the energy generated in my solar array to feed my household electricity.

To supply the house from your solar, obviously you need a cable to the house.
This will mean that when there's no solar generation, electricity from the house will power the garage.
The Inverter will need to be a Grid-Tied unit, to phase the solar AC to the house AC.
Unless you arrange for parts of the house wiring to be switchable to Off-Grid.

 

[Murdoch]

Why do my problems start there?
Yes, it is my land between the house and garage.

I've seen a few off grid solution installed because the garage is completely separate from the property so running a cable isn't possible.

As its you land then you need to do the calcs on the cable run, load etc .......