Siemens Solar Sells Grid-Tied and Backup System

Siemens Solar Industries L.P. says its earthsafe(TM) 20 solar electric system can convert generate power for the utility grid and also provide emergency back-up for the home. The company claims it is the first standard system of its kind.

CAMARILLO, California, US, 2001-12-14 [SolarAccess.com] The system includes PV panels, electrical interface and back-up power equipment in a single controller unit, providing conversion from DC to AC current, controls for utility interruption and charging capability. “In our market research and early trials, we found that solar electric systems that could provide power during utility brown-outs were highly desirable, particularly among households with young children, home-office professionals and elderly people,” says marketing director Fred Cherrick. “Most often, these households wanted to maintain power for their refrigerator, telephone, some lighting, computer, and radio and television. We call this our ‘family-safe’ feature.” The system offers both a utility-interconnect output, and an emergency-load output. The interconnect component allows a homeowner to send excess generation to the utility and reduce electrical usage and monthly bills. The emergency-load will maintain power to desired circuits in the home, and provide near-instant back-up power for critical electrical appliances. Backup periods range from one to four days, depending on power usage and specific configurations. Siemens Solar sees many applications for offices where an emergency system to maintain lighting, computers and telephone service offers an advantage. But officials say the earthsafe 20 system also works well in areas where there is no power, including vacation homes in remote areas. The system components are listed by Underwriters Laboratories, with a system UL approval pending. The pre-engineered system includes a ten-year warranty on the solar electric interface and a 25 year warranty on the PV panels. Construction blueprints for obtaining building permits are available from the company.