Canadian Solar Commercial Grid-Tied Systems with AC Battery Backup

Canadian Solar Commercial Grid-Tied Systems with AC Battery Backup

Canadian Solar’s commercial grid-tied solar solutions can now be combined with AC-coupled battery storage, giving businesses the benefits of solar savings together with backup power during load shedding and grid failures.

Commercial Solar That Keeps Your Business Running

Traditional grid-tied solar systems are designed primarily to reduce electricity costs. However, when the municipal or Eskom supply fails, a standard grid-tied inverter must automatically switch off for safety reasons—even when the sun is shining.

By incorporating an appropriately designed AC-coupled battery energy storage system, businesses can enjoy the financial benefits of grid-tied solar while also gaining backup power for essential operations.

Canadian Solar offers an integrated commercial energy ecosystem that includes high-efficiency solar panels, commercial three-phase string inverters, intelligent monitoring and scalable battery storage solutions.

How Does AC-Coupled Battery Backup Work?

In an AC-coupled system, the solar inverter and battery storage system are connected on the AC side of the installation.

During normal operation:

  • Solar panels generate power for the business.
  • Excess solar energy can be used to recharge the batteries.
  • Grid electricity supplies any remaining demand.
  • Stored battery energy can assist during peak tariff periods.

When the grid fails, the battery storage system can supply selected essential circuits or, where correctly designed, a larger portion of the business.

The exact backup capability depends on the inverter, battery capacity, system controller, switchgear and electrical design. A standard grid-tied inverter does not provide backup power on its own.

Designed for Commercial and Industrial Applications

Canadian Solar’s commercial inverter portfolio includes three-phase systems suitable for rooftop and ground-mounted projects. The range includes 100 kW, 110 kW and 120 kW commercial grid-tied inverters, with larger solutions available for utility-scale projects.

These systems are suitable for applications such as:

  • Factories and manufacturing facilities
  • Shopping centres and retail businesses
  • Farms and agricultural operations
  • Office buildings
  • Warehouses
  • Guesthouses, lodges and hotels
  • Schools and educational facilities
  • Residential developments and body corporates

Benefits for Your Business

Reduced Electricity Costs

Solar energy can reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid during daylight hours.

Backup During Power Failures

A properly designed battery storage system can keep essential equipment operating during load shedding or unexpected grid failures.

Peak-Shaving Opportunities

Stored energy may be used during periods of high demand, helping businesses manage peak electricity consumption and demand charges.

Scalable Design

Commercial systems can be designed around present energy requirements while allowing for future expansion.

Intelligent Monitoring

System monitoring helps businesses track solar generation, electricity consumption, battery performance and overall energy savings.

Quality Equipment with Added Support

Canadian Solar is an internationally recognised solar technology manufacturer offering solar modules, commercial inverters and energy storage solutions.

Selected commercial systems supplied through RSA Solar Supplier also include an on-site swap-out guarantee, subject to the applicable supplier warranty terms and product availability. This provides added confidence and helps minimise business disruption should an approved product failure occur.

Every Commercial System Must Be Properly Designed

Commercial solar and battery storage is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before recommending equipment, several factors must be considered:

  • The business’s current electricity consumption
  • Maximum and average load
  • Three-phase load distribution
  • Essential equipment requiring backup
  • Required backup duration
  • Available roof or ground space
  • Structural suitability of the roof
  • Existing electrical infrastructure
  • Future expansion requirements
  • Municipal and SSEG requirements

RSA Solar Supplier can assist with evaluating these requirements and proposing a solution suited to your business.

Prepare Your Business for the Future

A Canadian Solar commercial grid-tied system combined with AC-coupled battery backup offers more than electricity savings. It provides a pathway towards improved energy security, better control over operating costs and reduced dependence on an unreliable grid.

Contact RSA Solar Supplier for a commercial solar assessment and customised quotation.

Website: www.solarsupplier.co.za
Email: sales@solarsupplier.co.za
Telephone: 081 729 5101 / 065 008 2530

Equipment availability, system capacity, warranty conditions and backup functionality are subject to the final system design and supplier confirmation.

The technical wording is important: the Canadian Solar grid-tied inverter does not provide backup by itself. It must be combined with a compatible AC-coupled battery storage and control system. Canadian Solar’s current commercial portfolio includes 100/110/120 kW three-phase inverters and commercial storage solutions. Canadian Solar EMEA portfolio