Team

When businesses wonder if solar is right for them, some of their first questions are, “Will solar affect my power quality?” and “Will solar be able to handle my high voltage equipment?” Fortunately, the answers are easy: a solar array won’t change the power quality or voltage levels your facility receives. In fact, the only change you’ll notice from installing solar array is a lower electric bill!

This works because at the end of the day, the power quality your business receives is dictated by the grid. Under heavy loads, some of your power may come from the grid to assist in meeting the needs of your facility. Installing a solar array doesn’t change your building’s power quality as the inverters automatically match the sine wave and voltage provided by the grid.

Whether the power you use comes from the utility or your solar array, it first comes through your master service panel at your service voltage level of 208V to 480V and then gets regulated to match your equipment’s voltage and amperage needs. If it’s a sunny Sunday and your solar array is putting out more power than your facility needs, that power gets exported to your utility. If you are running a late-night shift and your solar array is not meeting your facilities power needs, then you automatically draw the power you need from the utility.

Regardless of which machines are operating and your power needs at any moment, the power first comes through your master service panel at your service voltage level.