Off-Grid Solar System
Off-grid solar allows you to get all your energy from the sun without the requirement of electricity. This can be achieved through the installation of a solar power system, which is paired with an energy storage system like an solar battery in the place where power consumption occurs (your home).
Because of its high space requirements and prohibitive cost installation of an off-grid system was once thought of as an outlandish idea. Barnes Solar has made it much easier and less expensive to install solar panels. It’s now commonplace to see rural cabins and RVs entirely powered by off-grid solar energy.
You’ve reached the right place should you be thinking about buying an off grid system. This blog will tell you everything you should know about the off grid system prior to purchasing one. We’ll help you decide whether an Off Grid solar panel is right for you, and also how to choose the best one to suit your needs.
What is an Off-Grid Solar Panel System?
A lot of people think of solar panels with off-grid solar, but the reality is that there are multiple elements needed to create an off-grid PV system.
Off-grid systems are equipped with the necessary equipment to store, produce and distribute solar energy on site. Solar systems off-grid are also known as “standalone power systems” since they are not powered by any external source of power.
Off-grid solar systems are different from other types of solar arrays, such as the grid-tied system. They are powered by batteries to allow energy to be produced in the event that the sun doesn’t shine.
However batteries cost more than the solar panels which they are paired. They cost more than grid-tied systems since they require huge quantities of battery storage.
How does an off-grid solar energy system perform?
The off grid solar PV system work using the photovoltaic principle. If sunlight strikes a solar panel, it generates direct current (DC).
The DC energy generated is fed to the charger controller that regulates the flow of charge and provides the power required to the battery. Batteries play a significant role in providing energy for the day and night..
If the sun shines, the solar panel produces enough energy to provide power to the load and recharge the battery. The excess power stored within the battery may be retrieved later if required.
The DC energy from a solar panel or battery is converted into alternating current(AC) energy (as most of the appliances at residential/commercial buildings run on AC supply) with the help of an inverter. The AC energy converted is fed to the loads through an electrical connection.
What are the various uses of off-grid sun power?
Solar energy offers many benefits. One is its modularity and the ability to scale. This is how parts can be rearranged and combined for greater flexibility and use.
It is a great option for small devices, like solar phone chargers or even a system that can run a factory.
These are the most well-known applications of off-grid solar:
- Charge a tablet or phone via USB
- They are powered via an electric supply
- Small cabins are able to be powered by electricity
- Homes that are small, energy efficient, and can be powered
It is crucial to remember that off-grid solar panels are not feasible in locations where power is available. This is the case where one wishes to power a house in an urban area, suburb, or town.
You can save more by choosing a grid-tied, Grid-powered or hybrid solar panel system. In the case of your local economics it is possible that you will be able to use grid power.
What equipment is required for an Off-Grid Solar Panel System?
Here is a complete list of the necessary equipment to operate an off-grid solar system.
- Solar panels
- Solar charge controller
- Solar inverter(s)
- Solar battery
- System for mounting and racking
- Wiring
- Junction boxes
How to size an Off-Grid Solar System
When you’re considering the installation of an off-grid solar panel, it is crucial that you decide on the size system you will need.
It will affect the kind of equipment you will require and the amount of effort required to install it and, ultimately, the price of the entire project. A solar installation is determined by how much power it is able to provide.
There are two ways to determine the number of individuals you’ll need. These are determined by:
- Your current usage
- Load assessment
Solar setup size is determined by the amount of usage
The option to do this is for those who would like to continue with your current lifestyle, but move from grid-connected solar to off-grid. You can utilize your monthly power bill as a reference to calculate your electricity consumption in Kilowatt hours.
Then , you can design an off-grid system of the same size. However, to maximize solar efficiency you might want to go bigger.
Solar setup size is determined by load evaluation
An assessment of load is the other method to determine the amount of energy your system will require.
- Calculate your total electricity consumption
Make a list of all appliances that you intend to use, along with the times they will be used. This will enable you to determine both the power consumption of each appliance and your total power consumption for the course of the day.
You can size your solar system by knowing the number of kWh that you use every day.
- Calculate the load requirement for the moment.
It is also necessary to know the number of appliances that can run at once. This will enable you to calculate the instantaneous power demands.
- Determine the battery storage capacity
Next, you must decide on the amount of storage capacity for energy you will need. Are you looking to provide backup for your daily usage or just a day’s worth?
The term “solar battery backup” generally implies that you require enough storage to last at most 2 to 3 days during peak use periods.
- From Steps 1 to 3, design a system around your personal number
The size of the three main components, the inverter and the solar panels, is often enough to permit solar equipment manufacturers to design an off-grid solution that is suitable for you.
What is the cost of an Off-Grid Solar Panel System?
Off-grid solar has a myriad of possibilities.
Costs associated with the type of battery
The cost of your solar system off grid can be affected depending on the selection of the battery technology you choose.
The most recent lithium batteries are more efficient and feature a slimmer size, more comfortable form factor. However, they’re costly and will be an important part of the total cost of any utilized.
AGM (Absorbent gas Mat) lead batteries that contain acid are heavier and last longer and are also less expensive. They are a choice for off grid systems popularly due to their low cost.
Off-grid Solar: The benefits
More than 300,000 households are using off-grid sources of energy to meet their energy needs. Here are some reasons that Americans prefer to live off-grid:
1. Unlocking the Grid
In areas where blackouts are common, people are attracted to off-grid solar for this reason. You are dependent on the company that provides the power you use when in grid connection.
The power supply of your home is affected when the grid goes out of service. This isn’t an issue until you experience power outages or blackouts like the California blackouts of 2019, can attest.
2. It’s beneficial for the environment.
Carbon emissions are reduced by switching off the grid. Because most electricity is generated by fossil fuels, it’s important to generate your own electricity by using renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro. This will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Promotes a more active life style
It’s easy for you to ignore your power consumption when you’re connected to grid. You consume electricity, pay the bills as they arrive and that’s all there is to it. It cuts you off from the origin and destination of electricity.
When you’re not connected to the grid, your attitude towards power will change completely. You will need to monitor your electricity generation closely and reevaluate your energy use.
4. Sometimes it is the only way to take the initiative.
If you are trying to run a power source to a structure far from reach, like a hunting cabin in the woods, there’s an excellent chance that there is no grid in place.
The utility could inform you that your location isn’t covered when you try to connect. They may offer the wire to be laid, but for a price.
That means you’ll need to create your own power. While you can use a backup generator to provide power, it’s expensive and unpractical in many areas. solar power can be the sole viable option for power off grid.
Off-grid solar: The downsides
There are a myriad of reasons why the majority of US households would rather remain on the grid even though solar panels offer great benefits.
There are some key points to keep in mind when you decide to go off the grid.
1. Off-grid living could be illegal depending on where you live.
While solar panels and the capability to generate your own electricity are growing in popularity in the US however, it is not legal for certain counties to disconnect totally from electricity. These legal restrictions on being off grid are more common in urban areas , compared to rural areas.
2. Solar systems that are not connected to the grid are often very costly.
It is not typical for solar panels to provide all of the energy needed by a home . It is costly.
An off-grid system is more costly than grid-connected systems. This requires more panel and an inverter with greater voltage capability.
You’ll need a backup generator that is either diesel or gas-powered, as there is no grid. They are also expensive to operate. Because generators can’t be trusted for too long and this is why it’s more urgent to repair faults in your off grid system.
3. It takes time to go off-grid.
It’s not easy to commit to produce enough electricity to meet your household’s requirements.
It is necessary to be aware of electricity’s workings. You will need to spend some time in determining the amount of energy you will require, according to your consumption habits.
You’ll have to devote time making sure that you limit power waste to a minimum. You will need to monitor the power supply since the power supply can fluctuate rapidly.
Also, you must be familiar with the power generators that are used.
4. California off-grid solar isn’t eligible for a SGIP rebate
The California’s Self Generation Incentive Program is the biggest incentive for storage batteries in the United States. Eighty percent of the incentive budget is allocated to battery storage within incentives budgets.
The SGIP rebate could help individuals save money on batteries, especially if they are in areas of fire risk. However, the catch is that SGIP only applies to grid-tied solar systems that have battery backup, and not to systems that are completely off grid.
5. You have other options for backup power
It is possible that you do not want to go off-grid because there’s always an alternative.
Installing a grid-tied solar array with backup batteries is the most effective and simple method to avoid blackouts. A hybrid solar system is an alternative term used to describe this type of.
These hybrid systems that use batteries, such as those of the Tesla Powerwall are more affordable than traditional off-grid systems. They also qualify for incentives, such as rebates like the SGIP rebate.
6. Off-grid solar entails major lifestyle sacrifices
Ask anyone who has an off grid solar system and they’ll tell you the exact same thing: Relying on off grid power demands that you review everything you know about energy.
Off-grid solar is costly, so homeowners have to invest in small systems. Inclement weather can also limit the amount of power available. A day that is cloudy could result in the reduction of 50% in the power output.
You will be in trouble if you run out of power. You can either keep waiting for the sun to return or make use of a backup diesel generator to generate power (if you own one). While the first option is more convenient however, the alternative could be costly.
The restrictions could negatively impact every aspect of your daily life. For example, many off grid people say that they must conserve water since water pumps consume lots of energy. This implies less frequent flushing as well as shorter showers. Air conditioning is a greater consumption of power and should use only for short periods of time or it is used at all.
Are you looking for off-grid solar power near you?
If access to the grid is difficult or impossible, off-grid solar can be the most suitable option. It is hard to imagine a camper renouncing solar for a generator that is noisy and expensive.
It is also usually the best option for those committed to a low carbon footprint, sustainability-minded lifestyle. Wind and hydropower are more expensive than other renewable energy sources like wind and hydropower. They also require an uninterrupted supply of water and wind.
But, if you’re a homeowner who lives in or close proximity to a city or town Off-grid might not be the best option for you.
Off-grid solar systems can be expensive and rarely provide savings over utility power. Due to the high cost of off grid solar, homeowners must install small systems. This could result in significant life-style issues for residents.
Grid-tied solar systems are a better option if you’re looking for financial savings. You’ll always have electricity access if you have a connection to it.
Learn more about Grid-Tied Solar Systems
Hybrid solar systems are an excellent option if you need an emergency battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall. Hybrid solar systems can be grid-tied and have batteries. Hybrid systems are more expensive than grid-tied ones, however they can save you money and are still much cheaper as an off-grid system.
Installation of off-grid systems is a specialist skill that Barnes Solar solar companies provide. The performance of the setup is vital for the continued operation of the system. We’ll be able to connect you with highly qualified and experienced off-grid installers. All you have to do is fill in our off-grid quote application form.