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Old 02-15-2009, 11:46 PM   #31 (permalink)
Xringer
Old Retired R&D Dude
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Woburn Mass USA
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Little Red - '12 Toyota Prius c 2 Two
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gascort View Post
Question - with the grid tie systems, I'm assuming when the electricity from the grid goes down, so does your house, otherwise there'd be live lines out there with the risk of backfeeding and killing linemen.
A big advantage to solar as I see it would be the ability to have electricity even when the utility is down - all your neighbors would be envious!!

The grid-tie systems that I've been reading about (like these tiny units),
Enphase Micro-Inverters


Shut right down if the grid power starts acting up. If the grid goes dead,
so does your system..

For home backup power during a blackout, you would need a more complex system.
One that includes a battery system and a mains disconnect.
Or a disconnect box similar to those used with gas generator backup.

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Rich

Current ride: 2014 RAV4 LE AWD (24 MPG)

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Last edited by Xringer; 02-15-2009 at 11:47 PM.. Reason: spell chek
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