Grid Connected systems.
Grid connection is simply routing your generated 230v AC power from the microgeneration technology onto the mains 230v grid connection in your house or business.
This does, of course, require a qualified electrician to carry out this certified work. Also the inverter needs to comply (in the UK) with a G83/1 standard for safety
Recent large commercial solar G83 grid connected inverters installed at one of our customers premises. This equipment is usually installed within the loft area or cupboard.
G83 requires the microgeneration equipment on the premises to not generate more than 3.6kWh and disconnect if there's a power cut or fluctuation, it will wait 3 minutes after the power comes back before reconnecting. This is for safety, as anyone working on the system thinking it has been switched off would get a shock.
A 3 bedroom house will typically use around 4000Kwh a year. Fitting a 1Kwp PV system will typically generate over 800Kwh a year. A 1Kwp system will take up 8m2 of roof area. Ideally for optimum results, a South facing unshaded roof is needed for suitable PV installations, but any clear view of the sky between South East and South West will give good resilts.
All grid connected systems in the UK need a G83 compliant inverter to convert the DC voltage from the PV array into 230v AC that is then carefully synchronised to the local mains supply. We use the tried and tested Austrian Froenius Inverters which are rugged enough to continue in service for the 20 years of the PV array.
Supply power to the world
With a grid connected system, as well as using your own generated power for your own appliances, any excess can be either sold back to the electricity company, or somply fed back onto the grid if you decide not to have an agreement with your power company.
More and more power companies are responding to microgenerators needs to sell excess generated power back to them. Forerunners in this field are Good Energy, N Power Ecotricity or Scottish & Southern
more are following closely with various rates of power purchase and buyback. Check them out online.
Grid Connected Backup Systems
Whilst standard grid connection usually just what we need in urban areas, there will always be a large number of people living in rural areas with grid connection, which can be unreliable during winter months. 
For such premises we can install 'Island' systems, enabling your PV system to operate as a grid connect system when mains electricity is available, but instantly switches over to a battery backup when the mains fails.
Various options are available for different size systems, and our costs to add a backup system to your existing grid system start at £4200 including battery set and installation. Info Leaflet
Professional installation requirement
All systems connected to the incoming 230v mains needs to be tested throughout, during and
after installation to ensure highest electrical safety. With most microgeneration schemes, part of the system is outside in all elements so will need secure bonding and certification. We at Chris Rudge Electrical Services provide all this, plus additional documantation and specialist readings for your Regional Electrical supplier as needed on every microgeneration system.
We are Part P registered with the NICEIC and comply with all electrical regulations currently in force .
email: enquiries@chrisrudge.co.uk