Solar Storage And Backup On Oahu
Exploring Solar Energy in Hawaii
Solar energy is booming in Hawaii. If you’re considering solar panels or battery storage, you likely have questions: How do solar energy systems work? What happens to excess power? How does solar storage function?
Understanding Solar Panel Systems in Hawaii
There are three main types of solar systems: grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid. Though they may sound complex, they’re easy to understand with the right explanation.
Grid Systems in Honolulu
Grid-tied systems are the most popular choice for homeowners and businesses on Oahu. They function similarly to traditional energy sources, providing reliable power while staying connected to the electric grid.
- How a Solar PV System Works in Hawaii
- Solar Panels capture sunlight and produce DC electricity.
- The Solar Inverter converts DC electricity to AC electricity, which powers your home.
- The Switchboard manages the flow of incoming and outgoing electricity.
- The PV Electricity Meter tracks your energy production.
- The Main Electricity Grid stores surplus energy. Excess power goes back to the grid, and when your panels aren’t generating energy—like at night—you pull power from the grid. The switchboard is crucial for this process.
Sending excess energy back to the grid earns you credits on your bill. These credits are based on feed-in tariffs (FIT) set by the power company.
Off-Grid Solar Panel Storage System
An off-grid solar system operates independently from the public grid. It functions like a grid-tied system but relies on battery storage instead of feeding excess energy back to the grid. A solar battery bank stores surplus power, which supplies electricity at night.
The main drawback is that during extended periods of low sunlight—like heavy rain—you can’t draw power from the grid if your battery runs out.
Hybrid System in Oahu
A hybrid system combines the benefits of off-grid storage and grid-tied reliability. It stores surplus energy in a battery bank but also connects to the grid for backup, ensuring you’ll never be without power.
To learn more about grid, off-grid, and hybrid solar systems, call us for a free quote at (808) 784-8891. We’re here to help you get started with a new PV or solar storage system.
