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mrwalrus88 t1_jbh01ya wrote

Reply to comment by star_tyger in Solar energy in Vermont? by star_tyger

Having solar doesn't make you off grid able since the solar feeds the grid and you draw from the grid. So if the grid goes out so does your power even if the sun is shining(at least that's how I understand it. If you have a battery storage system if the grid goes out the battery turns on like a generator. I could be wrong but most batteries will give you at best a couple of days of power so if the power goes out for an extended period like we had in December it may not last.

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cbospam1 t1_jbh3xvw wrote

My parents house used to be off grid with solar, when they connected they kept the system and it charges a battery bank before going to the grid. It’s a bank of car batteries that can run the well pump, hot water heater, wifi and a few lights. They could go indefinitely if needed. I’m sure there are more efficient battery systems now. They also have to turn it on manually.

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star_tyger OP t1_jbh0hb6 wrote

I know that's how it works when a solar power company 'rents' your roof. I didn't know that it's always an issue. Thanks for the heads up, I'll have to look into that more.

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