The idea of running your house totally free of energy companies is an appealing one. Many homeowners have actually chosen to go this path, looking for the self-reliance, sustainability, and cost savings that an off-grid planetary system can offer. Of course, you might be forced to go off-grid to due to the remote location of your residential or commercial property. solar system Going off-grid means that 100% of your electrical power will be obtained through the collection of solar energy and any back up resources.
Off Grid Solar: How does it work?
Off-grid Solar Systems-- often referred to as Stand-alone power systems (SAPS)-- work by generating electricity from solar panels and using it to charge a solar battery through a charger controller. That electricity is then transformed using an inverter so that it can power your home or company home appliances. By keeping the electrical energy in a solar battery, it is possible to run your home specifically from solar energy, even at night or throughout times when there is less than ideal sun exposure.
Elements of an Off Grid Solar System
For an off-grid solar power system to work efficiently in the average home, you will require a couple of pieces of equipment. Depending on the size and the scale of your solar energy system set-up, your private requirements are likely to be different from other off grid system owners, however there are some primary pieces you will absolutely need to get up and running.
Solar Panels
As the name suggests, solar panels are an apparent first ingredient. The accurate size and production abilities of your private solar panel variety will depend upon the quantity of offered sunlight in your region, the usable area of your roofing, and your energy intake needs.
Solar Batteries
A solar battery will also be essential, to enable your house to continue to pursue the sun decreases. Throughout the day, your solar storage device will charge as your panels generate excess electrical energy. Instead of just losing out on all of that readily available solar power, a battery enables you to keep it for use at a later time. Depending upon your energy needs, you may have a single battery, or even a battery bank.
Solar Inverters
In order to convert the direct existing (DC) gathered by your solar panel selection into the alternating existing (AC) needed to run most of your typical household devices and electronic devices, your solar energy system will also require a solar inverter-- often described as a solar converter or a PV inverter. For the functions of an off-grid system, you will likely use a stand-alone inverter, though there are a few choices when it pertains to set-up.
Solar Charge Controller
The solar charge controller or battery charger is crucial to the health of your battery. The controller controls the voltage and current that your solar battery receives, to prevent overcharging and damage.
Alternative energy source
It may be worth considering an alternative source of energy as back up for your system. This can be especially convenient throughout the depths of winter season when solar production is at its most affordable. Many owners who use off-grid systems combine them with a generator that can power a few of their homes' electrical power needs.
Going off grid: is it right for you?
If you have the choice of going off grid, it deserves considering the pros and cons as opposed to remaining linked to the grid. Naturally, you may not have the choice and need to utilize a off-grid system in order to power your house. If you want to see what size system and battery bank you would need to take your house off the grid, you can utilize our purpose developed off grid calculator.
Ecological Effect
There's no doubt that solar energy is much cleaner and environmentally friendly than using nonrenewable fuel source power. Going green is among the primary draws for a grid-free lifestyle, and using a renewable resource like solar power is a perfect method to decrease your carbon footprint. However, your excess, clean, solar created energy is not used by anyone else. It goes to waste. If you are connected to the grid, this green energy can be exported back into the grid and then utilized by another person.
Energy Independence
Another huge advantage of going off grid is that you achieve 100% independence from electrical power retailers. You will not pay anything for your electrical power expenses, and you are 100% guaranteed versus increasing energy prices. Your system also safeguards you from grid-tied power failures or blackouts.
The flipside is, you are truly on your own. If your power system is knocked offline by equipment failure or severe weather condition, the utility business isn't coming to your aid. That means it's up to you to make certain your equipment satisfies your needs ( examining the capacity for storage along with our output, to ensure your solar power system can fulfill your needs), and to keep that devices in working order.
How can I get one?
That's where we can assist! We can offer complimentary quotes and have professional off-grid installers discuss and suggest systems for your property. Expenses will differ, depending upon your private requirements, however we'll help you get the quotes you require to determine what kind of off grid solar power system you can develop to fit your budget plan and needs.