These systems require additional components and special inverters that automatically handle all the different power scenarios. They can be outfitted with a generator and automatic generator start for a "if-all-else-fails" scenario.

With the grid being available, the system acts like a regular grid-tied system. It will generate power from the sun and power the appliances of your house. Extra power will be sent to the grid and make the utility meter spin backwards. When power is needed it will be drawn from the power grid and the meter will spin forwards. The batteries remain always fully charged.

If the power grid is not available due to an outage, the system will instantaneously power all of, or the critical loads of your house from the battery storage or from the solar panels or both. A built-in transfer switch will disconnect the house from the Utility grid. If the Utility grid is restored and stable, the inverter will reconnect the house loads to the grid. The batteries will be recharged from the sun or the grid.

In the unlikely but possible case that the grid is not available and the batteries have been depleted, the system can then either manually or automatically be charged from a generator. The generator will power the house and charge the batteries.

These systems are eligible for all the incentives that regular grid tied systems are eligible for. Additional incentives are available in Massachusetts and some other states, to help off-set the costs of the energy storage systems. Contact us for more info.