In Part 5 of this series, we will discuss the type of system that provides the most energy independence, the off-grid system.
Off the grid: a definition
Off-grid basically means that the electricity for the home or building is supplied by means other than the grid, either through a solar energy system or some other alternative energy source.
Components of an off-grid solar power system
1. Solar panels
As with all solar energy systems, this is where it all begins, with solar panels harvesting energy from the sun and converting it into usable electricity.
2 mounting frames
Once you have determined how many solar panels you will need to supply you with all the electricity for your home or business needs, the next step is to decide where and how to place them. That’s where mounting racks come in. Mounting racks allow you to secure your panels to the ceiling (usually) or to the ground (also an option, but depends on the amount of ground available).
3. Matrix DC disconnect
The DC disconnect from the array works the same way as your home’s breaker panel, as it shuts down the solar array in the event of an electrical overload.
4. Charge controller
Since a battery is an indispensable component of an off-grid solar power system, in order to extend the life of the battery, you will need a charge controller. Prevents the battery from overcharging and, if equipped with a low-voltage disconnect, from over-discharging, which can seriously shorten the life of a battery. Take care of your battery and it will take care of you.
5. Battery bank
A battery bank is a must for an off-grid system, as it stores the electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels for use at night or on cloudy days.
6. System meter
The system meters are like the meters in your car in that they provide various measures of the performance of your solar electric system, such as the state of battery discharge, the amount of electricity produced by the solar panels, etc. You can operate a solar electric system without a system meter, but it would be like driving your car without the meters – you would be constantly worried about what disaster awaits you around the corner.
7. Main DC disconnect
For off-grid systems, this is a must as it provides a way to quickly and safely disconnect the inverter from the battery, thus preventing electrical fires.
8. Investor
The inverter converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity to power appliances and devices. Off-grid inverters are generally stored indoors, near the battery bank, as they are not weather resistant.
AC Circuit Breaker Panel / Inverter AC Disconnect
This panel contains labeled circuit breakers for all circuits in a home and prevents circuit overloading. Since the inverter provides AC electricity to the house, it is necessary to add a circuit breaker to the panel to protect the inverter circuit.
10. Backup generator
Although they are loud and smelly, you will need one to complete your off-grid system in the event of extended periods of cloudy or inclement weather. At most, this will only take 50 to 200 hours a year, and it’s much cheaper than designing a solar power system to cover worst-case scenarios.
If you are interested in total energy independence, this is the type of system for you. Once your system is installed, you can look forward to a future of virtually free energy with zero environmental cost, which is good for your wallet and the future of the world.
