3.6kW Solar Grid-Tie | Viridian Energy

Cowichan Bay, BC

Canada

New solar electric grid-tie system on a home in Cowichan Bay Vancouver Island B.C. 3.6kW system with 12 x Canadian Solar 300W modules and AP Systems YC500A inverters on Schletter Racking.

FAQ: What is battery backup?

Battery Backup are batteries that store electricity from solar panels for when the panels can’t generate power. Battery Backup is most suited for remote location properties that aren’t able to connect to the BC Hydro grid and for rural locations where BC Hydro often has power outages. If you are connect to the BC Hydro grid and your power doesn’t go out much then “grid tie” is the best solution and avoids the cost of buying and installing batteries.

FAQ: What is a “grid tie” system

A “grid-tie” solar system is connected to the electrical grid and utility (BC Hydro). With a grid-tie system, the electricity from the solar panels flows into the electrical panel, the building electrical loads and if there is excess into the grid. When there is not enough solar energy to power the loads (like on a cloudy day or during the night), the home or building uses electricity from the utility grid as normal. In this way, no batteries are required. However, when the grid is not available such as in a power outage, the solar array also turns off for safety purposes. A grid-tie system is for offsetting electrical costs and environmental reasons.