With more and more people being aware of the importance of energy conservation, people are gradually leaning towards sustainable living. This awareness has led to a rise in the popularity of renewable energy sources. Being away from the grid is one such topic that has grabbed the interest of many. This demands us to dig deeper into what is meant by off-grid solar systems.
In this section, we will try to understand more about a solar power system that is not connected to the grid, how it works, and explore the benefits of being off-the-grid.
What is an off-grid solar system?
An off-grid solar system is an excellent option for those who want to live more sustainably and independently. It is a system that generates electricity using solar PV modules without being connected to the power grid.
In other words, you get your electrical supply directly from the sun’s solar power in this setup. You are not dependent on any private or government utilities for your electrical requirements.
What do you mean by off-grid?
Indeed, you read it right; you are autonomous of your region or country’s electrical power matrix. Going off-matrix implies you depend on an independent power source that will supply power for your home without associating with the public lattice.
These days, sunlight based chargers are turning out to be increasingly effective and can create more energy with less space. This implies you can have a more modest framework than you would have required a long time back for your home or Lodge.
Components of an Off-Grid Solar System
Off-grid solar systems are a great solution for those who do not have access to grid power. They are usually installed on roofs or the sides of buildings.
A grid-independent solar power system can be used by people living in remote areas, where there is no access to electricity. In some countries, they also provide clean and cheap energy for communities without access to electricity.
A simple off-grid solar system has two major components: the solar panels and the charge controller. However, other minor components make up the entire solar system. All these components can be listed as follows;
Solar Panels: The solar panels are part of the off-grid solar system that captures, absorbs, and converts sunlight into electricity.
Charge Controllers: These Charge Controllers connect the solar panel to the batteries. It is a device that regulates the power coming from the solar panels and sends it to the batteries.
Battery bank/s: Battery banks store the solar energy converted by the solar panels and provide the electricity needed to be off-grid. It can either be connected in parallel or series.
Inverters: As the name suggests, inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used in your home.
Advantages of an Off-Grid System
A solar system is an excellent investment for your home, regardless of whether you live in a city area, county side, or the wilderness. The advantages of an off-grid solar system are numerous and worth looking into.
- First and foremost, the Off-Grid solar system being a renewable source of energy, is a clean form of energy and causes no harm to the environment.
- You are independent of your local electrical grid, which means that you will not have blackouts or power outages – due to reasons like natural calamities or problems in the electrical grid.
- Although the installation might cost you a hefty amount, in the long run, it is guaranteed to save your money as you will no longer have to pay electrical bills.
- Off-grid solar systems can be used in remote locations or areas with poor electric grid access. It can be used to bring development and meet the electrical needs of places where it is hard to reach.
- They are also famous for use with recreational vehicles, boats, and cabins. You can have fun off-grid with your off-grid solar system.
Be it spending days out in the wilderness, enjoying the sea on your boat, or having a peaceful weekend in your remote cabin, with Off Grid Solar System you will not have to worry about any inconveniences for your basic needs.
Off-Grid System Cost
The expense of an off-framework planetary group can go somewhere in the range of $40 to great many dollars. In the event that you are searching for a framework to charge your telephone or lightweight gadgets essentially, you can get a little sunlight based charger from $40 to $100.
On the off chance that you are discussing an off-matrix nearby planet group to control your RV, Lodge, or camping area, it will cost you anyplace between $1,500 to $9,500.
Nonetheless, assuming we are unequivocally looking at fueling your whole home, homestead, or farm, then, at that point, the cost will go from $13,000 to $150,000.
You ought to be certain that the costs referenced above are only the expense of the hardware to set up your off-network nearby planet group. Assuming that you employ an expert organization to introduce the framework, it will cost you extra charges. And, surprisingly, after the establishment, standard support of the nearby planet group is required, which will add to your expense.
Off-Grid Solar Power’s Different Applications
Off-Grid Solar systems are numerous, from can be used in houses to industries. Listed below are some of the most popular applications of an Off-Grid Solar System.
Connectivity and Development of remote and rural areas.
For some remote places, where connectivity to the primary electrical grid is impossible, an off-grid solar system is the only feasible option. Most of the rural areas are not in the coverage area of the electrical grid, an off-grid system can be used to bring electrification to these households.
Not only for households but this system can also be applied to provide electricity to rural hospitals improving their healthcare system and schools.
Backup during disaster
It is no secret that in the face of calamities, be it naturally such as hurricanes and earthquakes or man-made, such as war, there will be a disruption to the power supply. In minor cases, these blackouts or power cuts are quickly tackled.
However, in serious cases, it will be days when the electrical connection is severely affected. In such instances, if a proper Emergency Power System is built, we can always have a temporary power backup. Off-Grid Solar systems can provide that emergency backup when there is a high demand for electrical supply.
For people facing Irregular Power Supply
Many places, even some metropolitan areas, face some if not frequent power cuts. If this power, if frequent, will seriously hamper a workplace such as medical institutes, companies, and medical institutes, and even your personal life such as medicine, food and drink storage, home coolers, etc. In such cases, the Off-Grid Solar system provides a stable solution in the long run.
For water pumps, irrigation, and livestock
Solar energy can be used to generate electricity to pump water for either personal use or agriculture. In rural areas, manually supplying water to houses or irrigation or feedstock can be difficult, as most of the water sources are located at a great distance. These off-grid systems can pump water from wells over a long distance to provide water supply to crop irrigation, livestock, and even for drinking.
Conclusion: Meaning of Off-Grid Solar Systems
Off-Framework Planetary group is one of the most helpful wellsprings of energy when gaining admittance to the electrical grid is troublesome. Be it for rustic regions or for individuals who are lovers of investigating remote spots; they can have their own special inventory of power to meet their fundamental requirements with a matrix free nearby planet group.
An off-framework planetary group is likewise an incredible option for individuals focused on carrying on with a maintainable way of life as it emanates no contamination and is likewise the most open wellspring of sustainable power.
Nonetheless, for a run of the mill town or city individual, going undeniable off-framework can be trying as there will be many penances to be made. I trust this article will assist you with getting to be aware of the off-lattice nearby planet groups and helps you in your choices for an off-the-matrix way of life.