Solar Generators are the most advanced and affordable of any backup power system available. With a solar generator (also known as battery backup or solar backup systems), the fuel source is completely free and unlimited, creating an indefinite power supply for emergency situations. Unlike traditional generators, a solar generator will eventually pay for itself in energy savings, and qualify for Louisiana’s 80% combined solar tax credits. This makes most solar generators more affordable than their traditional installed natural gas counterparts, which often have much higher ongoing maintenance costs. A solar site analysis will determine if your property is suitable for a solar generator.

How do I know if a a Solar Generator is for me?

Solar Generator:

• Do you need backup power for a handful of important appliances and circuits in the home?
• Do you need a safer option than a combustion engine?
• Do you want a fully independent backup power supply?
• Do you want noise-free and pollution-free backup power?
• Do you want instant power switchover to backup?
• Do you want monthly savings on your utility bill?
• Do you want low maintenance costs?

Traditional Generator:

• Do you need full-house power on all circuits and devices in the home?
• Do you have a secure fuel supply?
• Do you have a code-compliant location for the generator?
• Is a 3-5 minute gap acceptable between grid failure and backup power activation?
• Are you able or willing to maintain a combustion engine?

 

A solar generator consists of an array of solar panels, a battery bank, and power conversion equipment. Solar generators switch automatically to backup power when the utility grid fails, and provide a daily supply of electricity from sunlight for critical appliances and circuits in the home. A reserve supply of energy in the battery bank keeps the system running during low-light conditions, and systems normally recharge in a single day. When the utility grid is up, solar generators perform like a grid-tied solar system and send extra electricity to the utility for credits on your bill. The savings often add up to thousands of dollars over the life of a system.

 

The solar design engineer will need to know the following to confirm your backup system design:

• Roof or yard space: Where will the solar panels go? Is there shading or any aesthetic requirement?
• Backup equipment: a small protected utility/garage space for the power equipment
• Circuits: What critical circuits need to be powered by a backup system?
• Loads: What are the average and peak loads of the circuits?
• Reserve: How many days of low-light battery reserve are needed?
• Auxiliary generator: Is a small traditional generator available as a power boost?

 

Contact Solar Alternatives today for more information and a free site analysis.