Solar power system - independence

[bojan]

Hi all,
Currently I have a solar system, which is integrated into th existent grid (smart metering and so on..).

Anticipating the abrupt rise in infrastructure costs (so that generating power may become a burden instead of benefit), I want to get rid of the rest of the grid and be independent from it.

Anyone knows what are the current options?

[TrevorW]

Do as the farmers do

storage batteries, generator and add in wind power

in this state you need to be islanded by the power supply co

[bojan]

I was thinking about modifying the existing inverter for the start, or exchanging it for the "real" one (currently, it can't operate without grid.. stupid question- maybe there is a configuration jumper inside? Or new firmware needs to be downloaded..).
Batteries would be the next stage of the project..

[GrampianStars]

Just add batteries ...
http://batteryguru.com.au/deep_cycle_batt_42.html
for now and charge them from the grid system....
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad155/hippiesparx/Proper%20Jobs/DSCF0530.jpg

[GrampianStars]

http://www.apolloenergy.com.au/Renewable-Energy-Components/Inverters/SBU5000
Inverter detects grid, and if none disconnects from the grid. It then switches to battery back-up mode and supplies household consumption direct from the battery – maintaining household power through black-outs, or if the system is large enough offers the potential to disconnect the grid permanently.... :thumbsup:

[bojan]

Hmm.. that is for systems with battery backup. I am not sure mine is like this.. (I can't check now what specifically I have installed, because I am overseas at the moment)

[bojan]

Actually, yes, yes.. I am just reading the data sheet - and I see this thing can "replace" the grid..
VERY interesting!

[TrevorW]

this site may be of some help

http://www.wirefreedirect.com/off_grid_solar_wind_power_system.as p

[bojan]

Thanks Trevor,
that also looks promising..

[clive milne]

bojan,
This is developing technology, but you may find it fits your needs in some context.

http://www.cogenmicro.com/

[joshhagger]

Hi Bijan,

You also might find these products interesting:
http://jaycar.com.au/pt_offgrid.asp

Regards,
Josh

[acropolite]

Bojan, I suggest that before you investigate off grid options, you do some sums on the necessary storage.
You'll find that Fridges, although only consuming small amounts of power run at high duty cycle, so for example a 125 watt load running 80% of the time will need a fair amount of storage just to run when your solar isn't producing power.

You might also want to factor in battery costs, at high depths of discharge batteries have a relatively short lifespan, so sizing of your battery bank will be a factor that will need to be balanced against your anticipated discharge, life expectancy and available budget.

I have self sufficiency with power at my shack on only a couple of 80 watt panels, but I run LPG hot water and a gas fridge and heater, once they're out of the equation power needs are miniscule.

[bojan]

Thank you all for provided information, it will be very helpful.

At the moment, I am weighting my options..

One thing is still not clear to me (maybe my original question was not direct enough?) - did anyone managed to activate the existing solar power system without grid connection (only during a day - that would be enough for the start), thus avoiding hassle or registration and installation of smart meter?