Grid Connect Solar Electricity

Components of a Grid-Connect Solar System:

For properties that are already connected to the 240V AC mains power grid, there is obviously no pressing requirement to generate and store sufficient power for the entire property, nor to prepare for periods where no solar power can be generated by the solar modules.  This means that a grid-tied array can be as small or as large as you want - depending on your expectations and finances. 

The basic components of any Grid Connect System are:

• The installed Solar Array: the array must be housed in a framing structure in order to be mounted on a roof.
• A Grid-Connect Inverter: this converts the DC power produced by your solar array into a form which synchronizes with the mains power, so that it may be fed back into the grid if not being used by your property.
• Cabling, Fusing and Signage: All the systems we provide include all the signage required by law in Australia, and all cabling, fusing and signage is included in the following pricing.
• A Bi-directional or Additional meter: This is a meter supplied by your Energy Retailer - depending on your Retailer, you may be required to install a bi-directional meter, which registers both the power you draw from the grid and any produced by your system that is fed into the grid.  Other retailers just require the addition of another kWh-meter to measure the solar contribution separately.

How does a Grid-Connect Solar System Work?

When power is being produced by the solar array, the grid-connect inverter will convert the DC power to 240V AC power, which will then either:-

• Be used by the property/household
• If the system is producing more power than is being consumed at the time on the property, it will be fed into the mains power grid and the input will be registered on the bi-directional meter.

When the solar array is not producing power, power can simply be drawn from the mains power grid.  The energy retailer charges for the power used, but the power replaced to the grid by the solar system is credited against those charges.  Your energy provider determines the 'buy-back' rates paid for power.

Installing a Grid-Connect Solar System:

Overwhelmingly, the choice is to roof-mount a solar array.  Ideally, the array should be north facing, and at an angle of elevation so that the plane of the modules lies at 90 degrees to the sun for most of the day. This provides a close approximation to the position in which a solar array produces its maximum output. All system should be installed by an accreditted BCSE installer.

Sizing Grid-connect Solar Systems

When considering replacing mains grid supply with grid-tied solar, the presumption is that energy intensive usage has been replaced, e.g. by using solar water heating, gas cooking and space heating. 

We have extensive experience in designing grid-connect solar systems, but at present, there are also a number of solar grid-tie kits available. These kits comprise the solar modules, grid-connect inverter, framing and all accessories required for a grid-connect solar system and the pricing shown includes installation for a standard site. 

These kits are available with nominal solar power outputs starting from 495Watts peak up to 5000Watts peak.  These prices are subject to change. Alternatively we can custom design a system to suit your needs.

Indicative kit pricing would be:-

For pricing on the larger Pyramid Kits please contact us at Pyramid Power and we will be more than happy to supply you with a free quote.