Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Unfortunately, adding a generator and a transfer switch will probably not enable you to get power from the solar panels. You'll also need an inverter that's designed to operate off grid; the anti-islanding feature on a normal grid tie inverter will prevent it from providing power when the grid is gone.

There are a few ways that anti-islanding systems can work, but it's reasonable to imagine that the inverter is measuring the impedance between its output and a nominal AC source: the power grid. If that impedance is too high - and it will be unless you've got a rather large generator - then the inverter will not source power.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: