This uses a special version of the 2.5kW Sunny Boy inverter - the ‘Windy Boy’, allowing simple connection to a normal 230 V AC single phase domestic supply - providing electricity for building loads without the use of batteries.

Whenever it is windy, power generated is first used by house loads, reducing power consumption from the grid with any high wind surplus then being exported to the electricity company - theoretically the meter can turn backwards! In times of low wind or when power consumption exceeds power generated, electricity is imported from the grid as normal.

Operating state monitoring and data acquisition are carried out within the Windy Boy inverter. Wind turbine voltage; mains voltage & frequency; input current & power; operating hours and generated kWh energy are measured. Inverters can be fitted with Display Lids to show essential information or all values can be accessed centrally via a PC or a Sunny Boy Control unit using a choice of communication methods.

Connection of a Windy Boy electrical system to the grid must have local electricity company approval and the installation method and protection must meet their standards.

The Windy Boy inverters automatically shut down in the event of: High/Low grid AC-voltage; High/Low grid frequency; Grid Failure; or Inverter Malfunction - meeting the UK utilities G77 Engineering Standard..

There are costs associated with connection and metering to/from the grid. Also the rate paid for electricity generated is presently considerably less than that charged for electricity consumed, so best economics are obtained if all power generated can be consumed on site.

Wind & Sun have experience of some of the first such UK systems and can help with satisfying electricity company requirements.