Understanding the Need for Solar Power Backup.
In today’s world, power security is more critical than ever. With the grid becoming increasingly unreliable, having a dependable solar power backup system is essential. Imagine a blackout: your ice cream melting, your Netflix binge interrupted, security cameras gone dark, and essential medical devices no longer functioning. This is why you need a reliable power source.
In the past, businesses relied on UPS (uninterrupted power supply) systems to ensure continuous power for critical loads. Nowadays, we combine solar systems with UPS technology to provide the same reliable power, ensuring your essential devices stay on no matter what.
At Positive Off-Grid Solutions, we offer comprehensive solar and battery systems designed to keep your lights on and your life uninterrupted, providing peace of mind during blackouts.
The Journey Begins: Load Assessment Questionnaire (LAQ) and Site Visit
Your journey with Positive Off-Grid Solutions starts with our Load Assessment Questionnaire (LAQ) tool. Customers fill it out online, and we use the data to optimise the system size based on their needs. We examine your energy bills, understand your power requirements, and consider what you want to achieve with the power. For instance, if you have an aquaponics system, you may need solar power backup to ensure the survival of your fish during an outage. Or, if you rely on medical devices like sleep apnea machines, ventilators, or dialysis machines, continuous power is an absolute must for your own survival. Everyone’s needs are unique and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. This is where Positive Off-Grid Solutions comes in – we tailor a solution specifically for each client.
Next, we conduct a thorough site visit to evaluate:
- Structural integrity
- Battery storage location
- Your Electrical system
- Solar power Backup needs
- Inverter placement
- System sizing and configuration
- Financial incentives and incentives (eg. Government rebates)
- Financing of purchase (if applicable)
- Energy saving and ROI analysis
- Local regulations and permits
This step ensures that we design a system tailored to your specific requirements.
Technical Insights: Installation and System Upgrades
Our installation process typically takes one day for a standard single-phase system, involving 2-3 technicians. For larger three-phase systems, installation might span two days.
During installation, we modify your meter box to integrate the solar power backup system. This involves identifying and shifting the main circuits to the backup output of the solar and battery inverter. Before 2022, backup circuits required a separate mini switchboard. However, as of 2023, these circuits can remain in the main meter box but must be clearly labeled according to current standards. If you have an older-style meter, it might need to be upgraded to a smart meter, often facilitated through your Synergy bill.
AC Coupled vs. DC Coupled Solar Systems: Understanding the difference is crucial:
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- AC Coupled Systems: These systems convert solar energy to AC power before usage or storage. They’re generally easier to retrofit into existing solar installations but might lose a bit of efficiency.
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- DC Coupled Systems: These systems store solar energy directly as DC power, making them more efficient and providing better performance during blackouts. DC coupled systems offer a seamless transition to backup power, reducing energy losses and improving overall efficiency.
Behind-the-Meter Off-Grid System:
Our behind-the-meter off-grid systems use the grid as a backup, ensuring continuous power. These systems include a remote-activated automatic transfer switch, which is wired in a fail-safe manner. If the battery system runs low, this switch allows the grid to take over, maintaining your power supply. Additionally, some hybrid and off-grid inverter systems can be fitted with a diesel backup option, offering another layer of reliability.
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- Pros: Extra reliability, ensures power during extended outages, versatile for different scenarios.
- Cons: Additional cost for installation and maintenance, potential environmental impact from diesel use.
Testimonial: A Positive Experience
Tania from Skating Goose in Ferguson Valley shares her experience: “Our relationship with Positive Off-grid Solutions over the last six years has been nothing short of positive! Andy Fleming and his team have recently commissioned the fourth building/dwelling on our farm and we couldn’t be happier with the service provided. Andy has always shown a keen interest in our projects and requirements and worked with us from the planning phase through to installation and maintenance. He continues to work with us ensuring our power requirements are met and can evolve as our needs change. Andy has made himself available at all hours when we’ve hit some glitches which demonstrates his total commitment to his clients. We would absolutely recommend Positive Off-grid Solutions to future clients and we will continue to use them moving forward with our Off-grid Power systems.”
Our Product Offerings
We provide a range of systems to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s the lowdown:
Good: A Deye inverter coupled with BYD or Pylontech batteries. This system is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into solar power or a solar power backup without going full-on solar superhero. It’s cost-effective and gets the job done for essential loads.
- Pros: Affordable, reliable for basic needs.
- Cons: Limited to essential loads, not suitable for high-draw appliances without upgrades.
Better: The Redback system, an Australian-made powerhouse known for its efficiency and durability. This system provides a more robust solution, ideal for households wanting more extensive solar power backup.
- Pros: High efficiency, good for moderate power needs, made in Australia (support local!).
- Cons: Higher upfront cost than basic systems.
Best: Advanced solar power backup systems featuring behind-the-meter off-grid configurations using the grid as a backup, typically running on Pylontech, BYD, PowerPlus, or Zenaji batteries. This is the Rolls Royce of solar power backup systems, perfect for those who want maximum reliability and efficiency.
- Pros: Ultimate efficiency, can handle larger power loads, top-tier technology.
- Cons: Premium price, but you get what you pay for.
Testimonial: Real-Life Benefits
Amy from Dalyellup, WA, shares her story: “Our power bills have almost disappeared. We very rarely bring power in from the grid.”
After-Sales Care and Maintenance
Our commitment to you doesn’t end with installation. We offer comprehensive after-sales care and maintenance services to ensure your solar power backup system operates efficiently. If you encounter any issues, contact us, and we’ll assign you a support ticket. We can also handle the maintenance of your system for a fee, ensuring it stays in peak condition. No matter the issue, we’ve got you covered!
Financial Analysis
The estimated ROI for a solar power backup system varies based on usage, installation complexity, and product quality, typically ranging from 4 to 10 years. The goal is to achieve payback before the equipment warranties expire. The Zenaji battery is noted for its cost-effectiveness due to its 20-year warranty or 22,000 cycle performance guarantee. It’s a bright investment!
Testimonial and Customer Service Charter
Wayne from Beverley, WA, speaks highly of our service: “Great team to deal with, from initial enquiry through to installation. Particularly Damien for the selection of our system and Isaiah for the installation and following up emails to ensure we are getting the most out of the system. Would recommend them to anyone looking to go off grid.”
Our Customer Service Charter outlines our commitment to providing the highest level of customer service, building long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect, and continuously improving our service to meet your needs.
For more detailed information, refer to our FAQ’s at Positive Off-Grid Solutions FAQs.
At Positive Off-Grid Solutions, we are dedicated to providing reliable, sustainable energy solutions tailored to your needs. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your power supply is secure. Let’s keep your power on and your worries off.
