grid tie hybrid

dkehn
dkehn Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
We are in southern lower Michigan. We are considering installing a grid tied system on a south facing 45deg. 2nd story roof.
1st, can rooftop wiring be fed through a conduit and run over the edge of the roof rather than through it? (we want to put on a metal roof at the same time and the less holes the better)
2nd, From what I have read on the forum, I understand that straight grid tied systems are more efficient. Can I install a hybrid (XW inverter) grid tied system and add the batteries later on after we get our feet wet so to speak, It looks like we could use a generator as well with that set up. How much efficiency would we lose using that system without batteries at this time, Very new to all this, but have been following closely.
Our local utility does not buy power , but gives a yearly credit against your bill, without carryover, so thanks
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: grid tie hybrid
    dkehn wrote: »
    .... Can I install a hybrid (XW inverter) grid tied system and add the batteries later on after we get our feet wet so to speak, .....

    Uh, no. The XW series uses 24 or 48V batteries, and feeds the grid from that.

    But, you could build a minimal system, with eight 6V batteries, and configure it for daytime sell only. that would still shave your electric bill, not cycle your batteries, and if you had a power failure, you could run a fridge while the sun shines.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • RCinFLA
    RCinFLA Solar Expert Posts: 1,485 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: grid tie hybrid

    XW grid tie hybrid inverter will not operate without a battery bank.

    The battery bank acts like a large filter capacitor during selling to grid.

    There has been problems observed trying to sell power when the battery bank is small AH size. Problem is exasperated when battery sell voltage is set higher then float voltage. Voltage levels between float and absorb levels causes battery series resistance to be higher reducing their effectiveness as a filter capacitor.

    It depends on how much solar power is being fed to batteries but Xantrex is now recommending greater then 400 AH battery if intending to sell power to grid. (original op's manual says 100 AH minimum)
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  • dkehn
    dkehn Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭
    #4
    Re: grid tie hybrid

    thanks, we will probably go for some industrial type wet cell batteries, 48 volt(suppliers are fairly close) and keep on looking at the forum and learning more.
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  • dwh
    dwh Solar Expert Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: grid tie hybrid
    dkehn wrote: »
    1st, can rooftop wiring be fed through a conduit and run over the edge of the roof rather than through it? (we want to put on a metal roof at the same time and the less holes the better)

    Sure. If you are using approved conduit as long as it is supported and strapped according to code, you can run it up down and all around.
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  • dkehn
    dkehn Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭
    #6
    Re: grid tie hybrid

    thanks, just trying to not look the total fool when we start getting serious with the local inspectors, zoning etc.
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,641 admin
    #7
    Re: grid tie hybrid

    Generally, the local building department is very happy to answer questions before the job is started/completed. And to a degree, inspections can be pretty variable with differences between cities or even inspectors.

    Usually, it does not hurt if you ask questions at the department first. If you use them correctly, they are "on your side" when dealing with contractors.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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