Grid Connected Solar Panels
Solar power systems fall into two categories, grid connected and off grid. The difference between the two is that grid connected solar systems are connected to the power grid, and can feed power back into the grid and off grid cannot.
Grid connected solar power systems are great because they can feed the excess electricity that you create straight into the grid making you money. This is done through a great little device called an inverter. Inverters convert the electricity that the solar panels make from DC (direct current) into 240V AC to match the electricity that comes out of the power points in your house.
The problem with grid connected solar power systems is that if there is a blackout, by law you have to disconnect your solar panels from the grid also, effectively leaving you in a blackout as well. You might think that this is a pretty dumb law at first but it is perfectly reasonable when you think about it. The reason for most blackouts is because the electricity companies have to work on the lines, usually because a tree or the like has taken them out, and if you and your solar panels are pumping electricity into the grid then someone could get electrocuted.
There is a way to get electricity when you have a blackout, and that is to install a battery bank. A battery bank is exactly what it sounds like; it is a bunch of deep cycle batteries that you charge with the excess electricity that your solar panels produce. When your solar panels stop producing electricity your house draws the electricity from the batteries instead of the grid. So when there is a black out you can draw power from the batteries.
Battery banks are mostly used in off-grid systems that don't have the ability to get electricity to the grid. This is because it is you will generally make more money for selling the electricity than you will save from not buying the electricity. But if you for are determined to have power 24/7 every day of the year guaranteed, then a battery bank will probably do it.
Note: Please note that this website cannot give you specific numbers on solar panel installation costs, REC's discount, estimated gross outputs or technical details specifically for your home or business solar panel installation. Get free quotes from solar installers in your area and you can get all of these details.