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Grid-Forming Inverters Explained

Due to climate change, power outages are soaring. Just in 2020 alone, extreme weather was responsible for a 73% spike in energy blackouts. And with global temperatures on the rise, rising power outages could pose obstacles for grid operators. To limit these increases, many countries are switching to renewable energy sources.

This is where grid-forming inverters come in handy to restart the grid during a blackout.

Our team explains their importance and what the future may look like for our energy grid.

What Are Grid Inverters?

Grid-forming inverters are electronic devices that can direct currents from wind and solar generation into tightly controlled waves of alternating current to deliver energy to the grid during a blackout. Essentially, they are put in place to restart the grid in the wake of an energy blackout.

This energy is quite promising but scaling it to work in large regions might prove to be quite difficult.

How Do Grid Inverters Work?

Then there is a large disturbance or outage in the power grid, conventional inverters shut power off to energy sources and wait for the signal from the rest of the grid that it is safe to turn back on. This process is called “grid-following.”

Wind and solar power accounts for a large amount of energy output and can be a great way to restart the power grid in the event of a blackout. Grid-forming inverters allow solar and wind power to restart the grid independently.

When Will They Be Available on a Larger Scale?

While still an emerging technology, researchers are working on creating small, isolated grids or “microgrids” where this technology could be first piloted before implementing on a larger scale.

In the short term, there are many opportunities to research new grid-forming hardware, software, redesign regulatory and technical standards, and develop advanced modeling techniques.

Building on these findings, proponents of grid-forming inverters envision a future where they are integrated into electric grids across the board, steadily increasing in size and capabilities within the next 10 to 30 years.

Things to Know About Grid-Forming Inverters

• Grid-forming inverters (GFM) are not new. Basic GFM functionality has been around for decades, especially for battery energy storage solutions.

• GFM solutions are not a “silver bullet”: There are significant grid limitations that exist that must be considered, and our understanding of how large power systems with GFM solutions is incomplete. Protection is an important area of concern.

• Hitting current and power limitations will strongly impact their rollout: Devices that are at their maximum power output or at their maximum current behave differently, and their grid-forming capability could be compromised. Those planning to implement these systems must consider these limits before implementing them on a larger scale.

Learn More> Solar, Wind & Hydropower FAQ

Emerging Technologies Could Impact the Entire World

Grid forming technologies present an opportunity to improve our power system’s performance beyond what is currently possible today. One of the biggest frontiers in electrical engineering is the development and implementation of a smarter grid.

Fueled by global demand for renewable energy and alternatives to fossil fuels, gird-forming technology powered by wind or solar can stimulate stagnate economies worldwide.

Furthermore, these technologies have the potential to change the way power is delivered to consumers around the world. 

Go Green with Solar Bear Orlando

If you are ready to take part in the renewable energy revolution, call our team at Solar Bear Orlando! We can install solar energy systems, insulate your home with spray foam, and even put a new roof on your home! We are your one-stop-shop for your energy efficiency needs!

Ready for a solar power quote? Call our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando today—407-904-7585!

Do Trees Affect Installing Solar Panels?

If a tree falls in the forest, does it affect your solar panels? That’s the saying, right? Nevertheless, Solar Bear has some important tips and tricks for installing solar panels if your home happens to have trees nearby.

An excess of trees, leaves and other debris on or near your roof can impact your solar system significantly. Because overgrown branches can block direct sunlight from reaching your rooftop panels, it’s important to trim and maintain any that might disrupt the energy conversion process. In order to create energy for your home, solar panels must convert large beams of sunlight into electricity. The photons from the sunlight help panels produce this electricity. But if trees or branches are covering your roof, this prevents panels from accessing protons in the sunlight that are essential for producing maximum electricity. In most cases, homeowners with trees on their property can make do with trimming branches before installing a solar system. However, if you cannot or choose not to remove trees, a solar system might not be an option for your home.

After considering these factors and others like your lifestyle and the cost of removal, you may decide that rooftop solar panels are simply not feasible. Fortunately, there may be another option! Many areas offer community solar. By purchasing electricity bill credits from local solar farms, you can support clean energy without installing any equipment on your property. As a subscriber to a community solar program, you could save 5 to 10% on your electricity bill while encouraging local renewable energy projects.

Want more information on your solar system options? The Solar Bear team is here to help you create a solar energy plan that will work for your family. Sign up for a free estimate today or give us a call at (813) 922-3735 for more information.

Rooftop Solar Energy Contracts Explained

As the cost of solar energy continues to decrease, more homeowners are installing solar panels to power their homes and lower energy costs. If you are thinking about going solar, you’ll need to sign a contract, and it is important to know what you will be signing.

Before you sign your solar contract, make sure you understand the terms. From the warranty to the installer’s liability, there is much to understand!

Of course, solar contracts will vary depending on the installer, and how your system is financed, but here is an overview of some of the things that you can expect.

Solar System Overview

This section of your contract provides specific details about your solar system such as the number of panels it had, the type of panels and inverters, the location, the panel wattage, and the manufacturer’s warranty.

It might also include the date your system will be installed and operating, as well as the value of its yearly solar production.

Learn More> How Many Solar Panels Does the Average Home Need?

Warranties and Guarantees

Your contract should plainly state which warranties are included with your system including but not limited to:

• 25-year power performance warranty
• 10–12-year product warranty
• Installer warranty
• Inverter: typically, 5–10-year factory warranty
• Warranty extension: Some manufacturers offer warranty extensions of 20 years

Financial Summary

The financial summary will show you where your money is going including the cost of materials, labor, and installation, as well as the estimated energy savings over the solar system’s life. You may also see an outline of the costs for permitting and inspections, which often make up a large part of the overall costs.

The system’s expected annual solar output in kilowatt-hours (kWh) will also likely be included here, as well as the value of the system’s solar output.

Electric Details

The overview of your annual electricity usage and your new solar system’s expected output will likely be outlined in this section. Remember, the size of your home isn’t the only factor that determines your electricity usage and solar output.

We usually ask for 12 months of electricity bills to help size your system, and we also consider the efficiency of your appliances, or if you own an electric vehicle when designing the right system for your needs.

Electric Bill Savings

This section of the contract gives you insight into how much your utility bills are likely to be once you have installed your solar system. Your energy savings will depend on many factors including your overall energy consumption, your system’s exposure to sunlight, if you are set up with net metering, and local electricity rates.

Of course, the cost of electricity changes over time, so it is important to ensure that you understand how that could affect your cost savings.

Learn More> Everything You Need to Know About Net Metering

Inspections and Interconnection

Before we install your solar panels, we need to obtain construction and electric work permits from the city or county where you live. We will also need to gain approval from your utility company to connect your PV system to the grid.

Once installed, your system must be inspected and then interconnection with your utility can take place. If the system fails inspection, the problems will need to be addressed before interconnection with the grid can occur.

Sign Up for Solar

If you are ready to sign on the dotted line and get a solar system installed in your home, call our team at Solar Bear Orlando! We are ready to help you gain energy independence and harness the energy from the sun.

Ready to go solar? Choose Solar Bear Orlando. Schedule a consultation today—407-904-7585!

Solar Panels for Reducing Cooling Costs

Summer in Florida is not for the faint of heart! Rising heat and no school for kids means your air conditioner is putting in some serious work. But, what if you could use solar panels to reduce cooling costs? Solar Bear tells you how to drop it like it’s hot (because all Floridians can relate).

Did you know that asphalt is one of the most popular roofing materials in the United States? Made of materials covered in asphalt and stone granules, asphalt shingles are affordable, durable and unfortunately, great at absorbing the sun’s energy. Other roofing materials like clay tiles and metal can match or exceed the 150 to 185 degrees that a roof can reach! Luckily, Solar Bear has a great option to beat that heat. Rooftop solar panels can absorb a tremendous amount of the heat that shines down on your home. By absorbing almost 40% of it, cooling costs will be reduced, which adds to your already tremendous financial savings. Any accumulated energy from those rays can be used for energy instead of having to pull from the power grid. Another byproduct of rooftop panel absorption is a cooler roof temperature. Studies show that panels can reduce roof temperatures by 5 degrees. Chalk this up as another energy win because your cooling unit won’t have to work as hard to keep your home at its optimal temperature.

If you find your system is overproducing because of the sun-bundance, save it for a rainy day. Literally! Some homeowners add a solar battery to their panel installation so energy can be used for later use or during a power outage. Skipped the battery storage? No worries, another great option to take advantage of is net metering. Net metering is a billing process that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. If your solar system generates more electricity than your home requires, any excess energy will go back to the grid, and you’ll be issued a credit on your next utility bill. Currently, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) all offer utility net metering programs in Florida.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, Solar Bear can help create a solar energy plan that works for your family. Sign up for a free estimate today or give us a call at (813) 922-3735 for more information.