Solar energy storage system

7 things you before build your OFF GRID SOLAR SYSTEM

NZ installation

LIFE WITH AN OFF GRID SOLAR SYSTEM


With Energy prices forever rising, being energy independent is becoming more desirable. An Off-grid Solar System, also known as a stand-alone-power-system (SAPS), will cut all ties to the National Grid. Hence, an off-grid system, is the complete package to generating, storing and delivering your own renewable energy. Unlike a grid-tied system, an off-grid solar system relies on the electricity produced by your solar panels alone. In short, Solar energy is a great clean alternative to Fossil Fuels. Importantly, as long as there is sun, then an off-grid Solar system is possible. Where there is excess generation, this energy is stored within your batteries. This means when your system is unable to produce directly from the sun, it will draw from this storage.

10 kw lithium battery pack

WHO SHOULD GO OFF THE GRID

Off-Grid Solar Systems are ideal for Holiday homes, Garages, Camp Sites, Caravan Homes, Cabins, and even Offices. Also, they are a particularly great alternative in Rural and Remote areas. This is because these areas are more likely to suffer from poor network infrastructures, resulting in frequent blackouts and unreliable power. Or simply you just want to live off the map!

THE BENEFITS OF LIVING OFF GRID

AVOID POWER OUTAGES.
Losing electricity can be both stressful and inconvenient. However, with an off-grid solar system you can have back up energy storage even in the most rural of areas.

REDUCE ELECTRICITY COSTS.
As Solar energy is free to generate, this means you are no longer tied to the National Grid. As a result, you are essentially electricity Bill Free!

GAIN COMPLETE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE.
Become free from the National Grid and all tax that comes along with Fossil Fuel energy. Allowing you to monitor, and control how you use your own energy.

MINIMISE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Off-Grid Solar Systems use solar energy to generate electricity. As a renewable energy source, it is sustainable and doesn’t create any harmful toxins.

How does an off grid solar system work?

An off-Grid solar system has four main components, a solar panel, solar inverter, battery, and balancing of the system. Solar panels generate DC Current in sunlight and store it in batteries. If you want to run DC applications (12V), such as Fans, Lights, you need a charge controller. Whereas, if you want to run AC appliances (220V), you need an inverter that converts DC Voltage to AC Voltage. Nowadays, all inverters work automatically, that is the electricity generated by the solar system charges batteries and runs appliances directly. Also, batteries run appliances directly in case of power failure.

What is the difference between on grid and off grid solar system?

The main differences between a grid-connected solar system (on-grid) and a stand alone solar system (off-grid) are:

  1. An Off-Grid solar system will work even after a power cut, whereas an On-Grid won’t work.
  2. Off-Grid solar system is more expensive than a grid-connected solar system.

What is latest technology trends in solar inverters?

DifferencePWMMPPT
1. Full FormPulse With ModulationMaximum Power Point Tracking
2. EfficiencyUp to 75%Up to 95%
3.LoadIt charges Battery OnlyIt charges battery & runs home load during the day time
4. CostLess PriceDouble Price of PWM
5. AvailibilityFor Single & Double BatteryMore than 2 Batteries

There are two types of solar inverters, 1) PWM Based – relatively low efficiency, and 2) MPPT Based – high efficiency 

PWM Based – It stands for a pulse with modulation, these inverter low on efficiency but prices are very low. For smaller needs, PWM based inverters are recommended for smaller use such as running 3-4 fans, 8-10 lights, 1-2 Television, 1 Refrigerator in day and night.

MPPT Based – It stands for Maximum power point tracking. If your purpose of investment in solar is to save electricity bill, then it is strongly recommended to opt for MPPT based inverters.  

Off grid solar system calculator

Most home appliances such as Fans, TV, Cooler, AC, Water Pump, etc. can work through this system. For instance, a 1 kW off-grid solar system is sufficient for a 2-4 BHK house. But if you also want to run 1HP Water Pump in your home you could use a 3 kW off-grid solar system. If you are planning to run an AC then you should use a 5 kW solar system. For commercial setups like a shop, clinic or small mill, petrol pump a 10 kW off-grid solar system should be used.

It is the most common type of solar power system with backup. It works in day and night both, during the day, solar panel charges the battery and runs the home appliances such as Air Conditioners, Cooler, Television and submersible pump. At night, when the sun is not available, Inverter runs your home appliances using the battery power.

Advantage: No dependency on government electricity power

Drawback: Expensive than on-grid solar power system

Use our Off-Grid solar calculator tool below to estimate system size. Check out our video on off-grid sizing for details and more information on the design process. Dowload off grid solar system calculator excell file here.

system connection
off-grid solar system wiring diagram

Off grid solar system price cost

An off grid solar system comes in various capacities  for different type of applications, such as, Small Home, 2-3 Floor Homes, Shops, Offices, School, Warehouses, and more. The minimum range of off grid solar system is 500W, average range is 1kW, and maximum range can vary from 3kW, 5kW, 7.5kW to 10kW. Simply, you can understand, the cost of 1kWh off grid Solar System with Single Battery (48V) is approx. USD250 and the cost of 5kW Off Grid Solar inverter (24V) is approx. USD700. The cost of any solar system depends on aspects like technology, brand, service and warranty.

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