Systems working alongside other sources.
WHAT MOST INSTALLATIONS ACTUALLY ARE
Hybrid: solar alongside grid supply, a generator, or both.
WHY
Full independence is expensive and frequently unnecessary.
WHAT A HYBRID ARRANGEMENT PROVIDES
Solar carrying the base load Other sources covering peaks and poor generation periods Reduced fuel consumption
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
How the sources are prioritised.
WHAT SENSIBLE PRIORITY LOOKS LIKE
Solar first Battery next Grid or generator last
WHY
It maximises the value of the system.
WHAT TO CONFIGURE
The system to charge batteries from other sources when necessary.
WHY
It prevents deep discharge during extended poor generation.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT GENERATOR INTEGRATION
Whether the generator can charge the system Whether it starts automatically What capacity it must have
WHY AUTOMATIC STARTING NEEDS CARE
It must not conflict with other sources.
WHAT TO NEVER ALLOW
Two sources connected to the same circuit without proper switching.
WHY
Backfeeding endangers people and damages equipment.
WHAT TO INSTALL
Proper changeover arrangements.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT GRID CONNECTION
Whether feeding back to the grid is permitted and technically arranged.
WHY
It requires authorisation and appropriate equipment.
WHAT TO EXPLAIN TO THE CUSTOMER
What the system does when the grid fails What it does when generation is poor What they will notice
WHY
Unexplained switching behaviour produces support calls.
