One of the limitations of some grid-tied photovoltaic systems is that the owner will only benefit as long as there is sunlight while the grid is functioning. Otherwise, if there is an outage, they may not even use the energy they are generating from the rooftop. During such times when the grid is disconnected, the owner can neither use the rooftop solar nor export the energy to the grid.

Owners of PV systems without backup functionalities can upgrade by adding AC coupling. This enables them to store energy and use it anytime, including during emergencies and grid outages. The AC coupling converts a simple grid-tied system into a Grid/hybrid or grid interactive system. This provides grid-ties savings whenever the grid is up and running, and off-grid independence, as well as security when there is a utility outage.

The main components of AC coupling include an energy storage system, a grid-interactive inverter/charger, a coupling device and the second panel with additional wiring for the critical loads to supply during outages.

Battery storage enables better power management by providing a number of benefits which include:

Your bathroom is a room that tends to be ignored when you think of sprucing up the house. It seems like a small space and it isn’t something that is regularly seen by visitors. However, you probably spend some time in there and would like it to be a little nicer. A new tub, vanity and sink are all great ways to make the room look more inviting, but they can be a little out of your price range. What if you could spruce up the bathroom for less than a couple hundred dollars? An electrician in Burbank can help you transform your bathroom with a few simple light changes. It is that easy and the crew at The Electric Connection would love to help you make it happen.

You can do so much more than the standard light in the center of the room and the typical large bulbs around the bathroom mirror. You can enhance the bathroom with soft lights that are great for those times you just want to soak in the tub and relax. A Burbank electrician can install a dimmer switch that will allow you to control the amount of light that floods your bathroom. You can go for a little or a lot.

Wall lights that resemble the old fashioned candles are beautiful and really add character to the bathroom. Recessed can lights are also a great option for the bathroom and shed a great deal of light without taking up any head space. Another feature many enjoy is the heat lamp installed by an electrician. Burbank residents will love stepping out of the shower into a heated room. It is also great for keeping the humidity down in the bathroom, which will go a long way to preserving the paint and woodwork. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your bathroom lighting renovation.

As a Plano TX electrician, I can tell you that the year 2011 was a dramatic and eye-opening experience for those of us who realized that our electrical grid is unreliable when it attempts to function in less-than-ideal situations. Any Plano electrician can tell you that without viable solutions to the problem of an easily weakened power grid, North Texas runs into difficulties which can be both costly and potentially dangerous.

North Texas Electricity: A Year In Review

Let’s take a look at the last year’s power grid problems and how they affected our North Texas population.

Indoor Generator: Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands

Given all the difficulties we experienced last year as a result of an unreliable power grid, isn’t it time for us to consider solutions that would put reliable power back in our homes? One of those solutions that is worth taking a look at is an indoor generator. Having an indoor generator in your home can:

Consider talking to your Dallas electrician today to find out more about indoor generators and how you can be prepared in 2012 for any blackouts and outages that come our way.

Dallas Electricians You Can Trust

With over 27 years of electrical experience, Electric Man Inc. has seen too many families in danger as a result of careless and unnecessary oversights in the use of lighting and electronics. With a little care, a lot of caution and some common sense, your family can enjoy the candy and the costumes and not have to be worried about fires.

For more information on electrical safety and how you can protect your home and your family, or if you need a local Dallas electrician to help you with any electrical issues you may have, check out our other blogs at www.electricmaninc.com and connect with us…

Image via BusinessWeek

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This summer, soccer’s about more than just winning games. A group of young innovators have started producing a new kind of soccer ball that can generate and store electrical power when kicked around. This is a huge breakthrough for families who don’t have reliable access to power…Image via EarthTechling

Normally, finding a broken light bulb is a bit of a let down, but in Jon Smith’s photographs, they turn into something extraordinary. Jon fills the light bulbs with different materials, like paint or glitter, then shoots them with a pellet gun and photographs the explosion. It’s way cool…Image via Wide Eyed Illuminations