FAQs
If I install a solar system on my house,
will I have electricity when the grid goes down?
It depends on what type of system you install. Energy
storage (i.e., battery backup) is needed in order to have
electricity when both the grid and the sun are down. However,
most conventional grid-tied inverters also shut down when
primary (grid) power fails, even though solar power may be
available. With the Beacon Smart Power M5, you will have power
when the grid goes down, as long as either the sun is shining
or there is charge left in your batteries.
What is battery backup?
Battery backup means that batteries are included
as part of the installed solar system. When solar power is
not available, the batteries can still provide electricity.
The length of time for which the batteries will continue to
provide electricity depends on the load, as well as the size
and number of batteries.
What is the difference between grid-tied
and off-grid installations?
Grid-tied means that the PV system is installed on
a property that has access to the utility grid. In this case,
the utility grid will serve as the main backup when solar
power is not available. However, many grid-tied customers
also enjoy the benefits of having battery backup to ensure
electricity is always available, even when the grid goes down.
Off-grid is for properties that do not currently have a connection
to the main utility grid. These installations need to have
batteries to provide electricity when solar power is not available.
They may also install a generator to provide electricity when
the batteries run down and solar power is not available.
What is net metering?
Net metering means that your utility meter will actually
spin backwards when the solar panels are generating more electricity
than you’re using. In these cases, users are selling
electricity back to the utility. Most standard meters are
capable of facilitating the net metering “transaction”
by spinning backwards. With net metering, your overall electric
bills will be lower. Click
here to see if net-metering is available in your area.
Will I notice the difference between
solar power and utility power when I use my appliances?
No. The inverter converts the DC electricity coming
from the PV panels to the standard 120-volt AC current in
your house today. Your appliances do not know the difference.
I currently do not have access to the
utility grid. Can I use the M5 inverter?
No. The M5 is strictly for grid-connected applications.
However, the Smart Power M5 Plus, with an optional generator
input, is planned for introduction this year (2004) to meet
that need.
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