In the past, people who wanted to install solar panels in Ontario had to choose between going completely “Off-Grid” or connecting to the local utility with a Net-Metering system. Now, there’s a third option called Grid-Zero that actually allows you to stay connected to the local utility, use your own renewable energy instead of sending it to the grid, AND have a battery back-up.
Grid-Zero is one of the AC input mode options available with the Radian inverter/charger series from OutBack Power, a global designer and manufacturer of power conversion solutions.
How Does It Work?
With a Grid-Zero system, you remain on the grid and have a battery backup, without pushing excess power back to the local utility. In the “Grid-Zero” mode, the Radian inverter primarily powers the home’s loads with the generated electricity, while staying connected to a battery bank. The inverter works to decrease use of the AC source to zero, only drawing on it when your demand for power exceeds your preset values.
The goal of the Grid-Zero system is to improve the use of renewable energy, battery storage and utility power. During the average 24-hour span, it can eliminate solar variability on the grid, power the majority of the home’s loads and lead to noticeably lower energy bills, particularly during the on-peak hours in Ontario.
In a typical 24-hour use cycle, peak renewable energy generation will happen early in the day, with the most homes using more power in the mornings and evenings. Grid-Zero mode charges batteries during the day and discharges them each night at a rate you set. If you need extra power beyond what your solar array provides, the system will switch to the battery backup. When necessary, the system will use power from the utility grid to handle loads that would otherwise be overwhelming.
Advantages of Grid-Zero
If you are a homeowner in Ontario using an existing solar panel array or another renewable energy source to power your home, Grid-Zero will help you maximize the amount of renewable energy you use, while minimizing the amount of electricity you purchase from your local utility company and saving you money. Your Grid-Zero system can offer the following benefits:
- Optimizes the use of renewable energy and enables more independence from the grid, without the requirement to send it all to the local hydro company.
- Relies on a smaller inverter and battery system to draw energy from the utility grid only when necessary, making grid-interactive solar more affordable and attainable for the average homeowner.
- In scenarios where your system needs to draw power from the grid, the inverter and charger remain connected to the system, enabling a seamless transfer of energy.
- Only two setpoint adjustments are necessary to determine the rate, priority and amount of energy to use, making programming a breeze.
- The reliable system provides electricity when you need it — even during power outages. It can also significantly reduce your home energy bills, especially during the day, when the on-peak energy use in Ontario is the highest.
Get Your Customized Quote
To learn more about saving on your electricity bills and enhancing your property value with renewable energy, find out why it makes sense to install solar panels in Ontario and request free quotes for your own solar panels system.
