Solar Off Grid System
Off-Grid Systems An off-grid solar system (off-the-grid, standalone) is the obvious alternative to one that is grid-tied. For homeowners that have access to the grid, off-grid solar systems are usually out of question. Here`s why:To ensure access to electricity at all times, off-grid solar systems require battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off-the-grid). On top of this, a battery bank typically needs to be replaced after 10 years. Batteries are complicated, expensive and decrease overall system efficiency
Off-grid solar energy systems are entirely dependent upon how much sun reaches the solar cells. More intense sunlight produces additional power. Electricity generated by the solar panels has to be used right away. This means that off-grid installations usually focus on direct current, DC. The vast majority of residential wiring is developed for AC circuitry. On the other hand, some stand-alone off-grid solar installations use battery cells to provide a backup. Unused power charges the battery. Remote homes and telemetry stations often use this sort of installation. Mission critical applications might pair the unit with a diesel generator. These hybrid installations allow users to provide power during times of the year when the sunlight isn’t sufficient for constant power generation. Internal combustion generators can also be used to charge the battery. Fuel costs are supposed to be offset during the sunniest times of the year. |
Equipment for Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Solar Charge Controller
- Battery Bank
- Off-Grid Inverter
- Backup Generator (optional)
Solar Charge Controller
Solar charge controllers are also known as charge regulators or just battery regulators. The last term is probably the best to describe what this device actually does: Solar battery chargers limit the rate of current being delivered to the battery bank and protect the batteries from overcharging. Good charge controllers are crucial for keeping the batteries healthy, which ensures the lifetime of a battery bank is maximized. If you have a battery-based inverter, chances are that the charge controller is integrated.
Battery Bank
Without a battery bank (or a generator) it’ll be lights out by sunset. A battery bank is essentially a group of batteries wired together.
Off-Grid Inverter
There`s no need for an inverter if you`re only setting up solar panels for your boat, your RV, or something else that runs on DC current. You will need an inverter to convert DC to AC for all other electrical appliances. Off-grid inverters do not have to match phase with the utility sine wave as opposed to grid-tie inverters. Electrical current flows from the solar panels through the solar charge controller and the bank battery bank before it is finally converted into AC by the off-grid-inverter.
Backup Generator
It takes a lot of money and big batteries to prepare for several consecutive days without the sun shining (or access to the grid). This is where backup generators come in. In most cases, installing a backup generator that runs on diesel is a better choice than investing in an oversized battery bank that seldom gets to operate at it`s full potential. Generators can run on propane, petroleum, gasoline and many other fuel types. Backup generators typically output AC, which can be sent through the inverter for direct use, or it can be converted into DC for battery storage.
Advantages of Off-Grid Solar Systems
|
|