Grid-Tie Inverters with Batteries [RE-wrenches]

[Christopher Freitas --- OutBack Power]

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William Korthof wrote:
> In fact, most of our customers start losing interest in solar-UPS 
> at a cost premium of $1,000-$2,000. At the more realistic $4,000
> -$8,000 premium, all but a few loose interest.

I don't think that the additional cost of the batteries, installation 
and additional switchgear HAS to end up being $4000 to $8000 - My 
figuring works out to be more in the $2000 range,  assuming a relatively 
small battery and only a few backed-up circuits in the house.  We need 
to separate out providing some back-up power (for necessities like 
lights, tv and cold beer) from trying to powering the entire house.   

I know that many of the PV inverter manufacturers are working hard to 
reduce the cost of including back-up capability to a PV system AND have 
already improved the performance significantly.  My measurements in the 
field on real side-by-side systems has shown that under ideal conditions 
the grid-tie with battery system can produce 90 to 95% of the 
batteryless grid-tie system's KWH output (the range depends on battery 
type and size - which dictates the level of losses).  In less than ideal 
conditions, the grid-tie with back-up might even exceed the batteryless 
system (such as in certain partially shaded PV array conditions)

Its a lot like the issue of buying an economy car or a pick-up truck - 
or a regular car and one with 4x4 capability.  The customer will need to 
determine their own needs and wants.  You don't see car dealers telling 
customers that they really don't need a pick-up or a 4x4... although I 
might agree that sometimes they probably should...     

Christopher Freitas
OutBack Power Systems, Inc.
cfreitas @ outbackpower.com  
www.outbackpower.com
Arlington WA USA
Tel 360 435 6030  

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