Off-grid photo voltaic means assembly all of your power wants from the facility of the solar — with no assist from {the electrical} grid. To make this potential, it’s essential set up a solar energy system paired with an power storage system, like a photo voltaic battery, on the web site of energy consumption (your private home).
Putting in an off-grid photo voltaic system was as soon as a fringe idea on account of its massive area necessities and prohibitive prices. However advances in photo voltaic tech over the past decade have made photo voltaic tools extra environment friendly and cheaper, serving to to push them into the mainstream. It’s now a reasonably widespread sight to see RVs and nation cabins powered fully by off-grid photo voltaic methods.
In the event you’re considering of shopping for an off-grid photo voltaic system for your self, you’ve come to the precise place. On this weblog, we’ll let you know what it’s essential learn about off-grid photo voltaic methods earlier than shopping for one. We’ll assist you determine if an off-grid photo voltaic system is best for you, and let you know methods to purchase the precise system to your wants.
Key takeaways
- An off-grid photo voltaic system makes use of photo voltaic panels, battery storage, and allied tools to energy a location unbiased of the electrical energy grid. It has many makes use of; it may energy campsites, RVs, boats, distant cabins, and even household properties.
- Earlier than shopping for an off-grid system you’ll want to determine what system dimension you need. You possibly can determine this out with considered one of two strategies: based mostly in your present electrical energy consumption or by conducting an intensive load analysis.
- An off-grid photo voltaic package that may run a house will price wherever from $12,000 to $50,000; and that doesn’t consider set up, allowing, and costs.
- Professionals of off-grid photo voltaic: Freedom from utilities, optimistic environmental impression, a extra energy-conscious way of life, and the flexibility to provide energy just about wherever on this planet.
- Cons: It’s unlawful in some jurisdictions, very excessive upfront prices, time-consuming to put in and monitor, doesn’t qualify for the SGIP rebate in CA, and it requires main way of life sacrifices.
- In the event you’re searching for a extra reasonably priced technique to go photo voltaic, think about a grid-tied photo voltaic system as a substitute.
What’s an off-grid photo voltaic system?
Whereas many individuals suppose solely of photo voltaic panels once they hear “off-grid photo voltaic”, the truth is that it’s essential add many different elements to get a functioning off-grid PV system.
A whole off-grid photo voltaic system has all the required tools to generate, retailer, and provide photo voltaic power onsite. As off-grid photo voltaic methods function and not using a connection to any exterior energy supply, they’re additionally known as “standalone solar energy methods”.
In contrast to different forms of photo voltaic setups, such because the extra widespread grid-tied solar system, off-grid solar systems rely on batteries to provide power when the sun isn’t available.
Batteries, however, are costly — much more so than the solar panels they are paired with. The need for ample battery storage in off-grid solar systems makes them much more expensive than grid-tied solar systems.
What are the different uses of off-grid solar power?
One of the biggest advantages of solar as an energy source is its scalability and modularity, which is the degree to which a system’s components may be separated and recombined for flexibility and variety in use.
It works at all levels, from small devices such as solar phone chargers, all the way up to a system that can power a factory.
Here are some of the most common applications of off-grid solar:
- Providing a charge to a portable phone or tablet charger
- Powering the appliances in an RV
- Generating electricity for small cabins
- Powering small energy-efficient homes
It’s worth noting where off-grid solar systems do NOT make sense: where there is easy access to the utility power. This covers situations where one is looking to power a home in a city, suburb, or town.
If that’s you, you can save much more by opting for a grid-tied or hybrid solar panel system — or even just sticking solely to grid power — depending on the economics of solar in your area.
What equipment does an off-grid solar system require?
Here’s a list of all the equipment required for a functioning off-grid solar system:
- Solar panels
- Solar charge controller
- Solar inverter(s)
- Solar battery
- Mounting and racking system
- Wiring
- Junction boxes
Electricity from the solar array flows to the charge controller – from there it is either sent to the battery for storage, or to the DC-AC converter (aka inverter) to supply power to the home.
For more information about each of these components, check out this blog on solar panel equipment.
Watch this video to hear about what it’s like to live off-grid from solar expert Will White, who has first-hand experience.
How to size an off-grid solar system
Deciding on the size of the system you need is an early and absolutely crucial step when it comes to installing an off-grid solar system.
It will affect the kind of equipment you need, how much work the installation will involve, and, of course, the total cost of the project. Solar setup sizes are based on the amount of power the system needs to provide.
There are two different ways to figure out the number you need, and they are based on:
- Your current usage
- Load evaluation
Basing solar setup size on usage
You can use this option if your aim is to maintain your current lifestyle as you switch from grid-tied to off-grid solar. To do this, you can simply refer to your monthly power bills to determine your electricity usage in kilowatt-hours.
You can then size an off-grid system of that size, although you’d want to go a bit bigger — say 10% more — to allow for solar inefficiencies.
Basing solar setup size on load evaluation
The second option is to perform a complete load evaluation to find out how a lot energy you’ll want.
1. Calculate complete electrical energy utilization wants
Start by itemizing out all of the home equipment you propose to make use of, and what number of hours you’ll be utilizing every of them. This lets you calculate the facility consumption of every equipment, in addition to your complete energy consumption over a day.
Realizing what number of kWh in a day you’ll use will assist you to dimension your photo voltaic panel array, as effectively the photo voltaic battery storage.
2. Calculate instantaneous load necessities
You’ll additionally should calculate what number of home equipment you would possibly run concurrently. It will assist you calculate instantaneous wattage necessities, which it’s essential know in an effort to dimension the inverter correctly (the inverter runs the AC masses).
3. Determine on battery storage capability
Subsequent, you’ll must resolve how a lot power storage you need. Do you wish to cowl utilization for simply at some point, or do you wish to have further backup capability?
In relation to photo voltaic battery backup, the rule usually is you’d need sufficient storage to cowl at the very least 2-3 days of utilization in the course of the highest utilization time of 12 months.
4. Design a system round your quantity from Steps 1-3
Determining the sizes of those three essential elements — the photo voltaic panels, inverter, and battery storage — is normally sufficient info for photo voltaic tools distributors to customise a whole off-grid package for you.
How a lot does an off-grid photo voltaic system price?
The costs of off-grid methods vary from about $50 (for a telephone or pill charger) to tens of hundreds of {dollars}. That’s as a result of off-grid photo voltaic has such an enormous number of functions.
If we speak particularly about off-grid photo voltaic kits that may energy a whole residence, then costs vary from $12,000 to $50,000.
You will get an concept of pricing from the desk under; it reveals fashionable off-grid kits for various end-use necessities:
Please notice that the prices talked about are just for the off-grid photo voltaic panel kits, i.e. simply the tools. In the event you use knowledgeable photo voltaic firm for set up, there shall be extra labor fees; whereas with a DIY, there could also be some further prices for allowing and gear necessities.
Be taught extra: DIY solar: Pros, cons, and 6-step installation guide
The impact of battery type on cost
Your choice of battery technology will have a big impact on the cost of your off-grid solar system.
Newer lithium batteries offer advanced functionality and come in a small, sleep form factor. They are, however, very expensive and will account for a large portion of the costs if you use them.
By contrast, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) lead-acid batteries are bulky and have a shorter lifespan – but they are much cheaper. Their low price makes them a popular choice for off-grid solar systems.
Best places to buy off-grid solar system kits
The buying process for off-grid systems will vary based on the size of the system you want.
Best place to find turnkey solar installers
If you’re looking for a company to handle the complete installation process for an off-grid solar system – from system design and procurement to installation and permitting and inspection – then check out the SolarReviews solar companies database.
It’ll show you the best local solar companies in your area based on consumer reviews.
Best place to buy large and medium off-grid solar system kits
If you’re a DIY’er looking to power an entire structure – a shed, cabin, house, or even a farm or ranch – then you’ll want to buy from a reliable solar equipment distributor. Northern Arizona Wind & Sun and the altE Store both have great kits that come with plans and support
Best for small and portable off-grid solar systems
For people looking for portable solar power for when they’re camping or using RVs, there are many options, including Home Depot, Amazon, Best Buy, etc. Brands that have good reputations are Grape Solar and Renogy; both are American companies.
However, there are now many brands in the market, many with much lower prices; just make sure to check reviews and warranty details before making a purchase.
The advantages of off-grid solar
Over 300,000 homes are believed to be using off-grid power sources for their energy needs. Here are a few reasons why some Americans choose to live off the grid:
1. Freedom from the grid
This is the primary reason why people in blackout-prone regions are interested in off-grid solar. When connected to the grid, you are dependent on an external supplier — the utility company — for all your power.
When the grid shuts off, so does your power supply. This dependence doesn’t seem to be a problem until you are hit with blackouts and power failures, as those who suffered through the California blackouts of 2019 can attest.
2. It’s good for the setting
Going off-grid reduces carbon emissions. Since a lot of the electrical energy provided via the grid comes from burning fossil fuels, producing your individual energy via renewable assets (photo voltaic, wind, hydro) drastically reduces your carbon footprint.
3. Encourages a extra energy-conscious way of life
If you’re linked to the grid, it’s simple to be unaware of your energy consumption habits — you devour electrical energy, pay the invoice when it comes, and that’s that. It disconnects you from the place the electrical energy is coming from and the place it’s getting used.
Your perspective on the subject of energy adjustments fully while you go off-grid. To make sure you don’t run out of electrical energy, you’ll have to carefully observe your power technology and in addition re-evaluate and rationalize your power consumption.
4. Typically the one possible possibility
If you’re looking for to energy a constructing in a very distant location – say a searching cabin out within the woods – there’s an excellent probability there’s no grid to hook up with in any respect.
In the event you contact the utility for a connection, they’ll in all probability let you know that you’re out of their protection space. Alternatively, they might provide to put the wire to attach you to the grid — however solely at an astronomical price.
That signifies that you’ll have to provide your individual energy. You would use a backup generator, however gasoline for it’s costly, whereas renewable power like hydropower and wind aren’t obtainable in most locations. This leaves photo voltaic as the one sensible possibility for off-grid energy.
A gorgeous off-grid A-frame cabin within the Catskill Mountains. Picture supply: Chris Daniele via OffGridWorld
The disadvantages of off-grid photo voltaic
Regardless of some nice advantages, there are a number of legitimate the explanation why the overwhelming majority of US households select to stay linked to the grid once they set up photo voltaic on their properties.
Some key points with going off the grid embrace:
1. Off-grid would possibly truly be unlawful the place you reside
Whereas putting in photo voltaic panels and producing your individual electrical energy is gaining traction throughout the US, some counties have made it illegal to fully unplug from the grid. Such authorized restrictions associated to going off-grid are usually extra widespread in metropolitan areas than in additional rural areas.
2. Off-grid photo voltaic methods are costly
A photo voltaic panel setup that provides all of the power wants of a house tends to be very costly.
In comparison with a grid-connected photo voltaic system, an off-grid photo voltaic system requires extra panels, an inverter with a better voltage capability, and a considerable amount of photo voltaic battery storage.
And since there’s no grid to fall again on, you’ll want to buy a gasoline or diesel-powered backup generator, and these are very expensive to run. This additionally provides higher urgency when repairing faults in your off-grid system as a result of turbines can’t be relied upon for too lengthy.
3. Off-grid photo voltaic is time-consuming
Making the dedication to provide sufficient energy to fulfill your whole family’s wants is a particularly difficult job.
A reasonably superior understanding of how electrical energy works is required. As a result of producing energy is a precise science, you’ll have to spend time calculating the exact quantity of energy that must be generated, based mostly in your power utilization patterns.
Time will must be spent making certain you might be retaining energy waste at a minimal. And since energy technology could be unpredictable, you’ll have to consistently monitor your energy provide.
You additionally should be taught in regards to the tools used to generate energy and be able to fixing any and all faults.
4. No SGIP rebate for off-grid photo voltaic in California
California California’s Self Technology Incentive Program (SGIP) is without doubt one of the largest battery storage incentives within the nation. Eighty p.c of the inducement’s finances is allotted for battery storage.
Individuals can save hundreds of {dollars} on batteries with the SGIP rebate, particularly in the event that they reside in fireplace hazard districts. However the catch is that SGIP is barely obtainable for grid-tied photo voltaic methods with battery backup — and never for pure off-grid photo voltaic methods.
5. There are higher alternate options for backup energy
The most important cause why going off-grid is probably not for you is as a result of there merely is a greater various.
The best and best technique to shield your self from blackouts, whereas saving cash in your energy payments and serving to the setting, is by putting in a grid-tied photo voltaic system with battery backup. One other title for one of these setup is a hybrid photo voltaic system.
These ‘hybrid’ methods, which use battery options such because the Tesla Powerwall, are cheaper than off-grid methods and in addition qualify for incentives such because the SGIP rebate.
6. Off-grid photo voltaic entails main way of life sacrifices
Discuss to anybody with an off-grid photo voltaic system, and they’re going to inform you a similar factor: counting on off-grid energy requires you to fully reevaluate your relationship with power.
The excessive price of off-grid photo voltaic means owners are pressured to put in comparatively small methods. The quantity of energy obtainable is commonly additional restricted by inclement climate: a cloudy day might end in energy output reductions of fifty% or extra.
Working out of energy leaves you in a bind. You’ll both have to attend for the solar to come back out once more or generate energy utilizing a backup diesel generator (when you have one). The primary possibility could be very inconvenient, whereas the second could be very expensive.
These constraints can have an effect on each side of your life. Many off-grid of us, as an example, say the necessity to preserve energy means they should economize on water as water pumps devour loads of energy; this implies quick showers and fewer frequent flushing. Air con, a fair greater energy guzzler, can solely be used for restricted durations, if in any respect.
With out cautious administration of your off-grid power utilization, you might end up working out of energy while you want it. Picture supply: AP
Is an off-grid solar energy setup best for you?
Off-grid photo voltaic is probably the most handy power supply when it’s arduous (or not possible) to entry the grid. It’s arduous to think about, say, a tenting fanatic forgoing photo voltaic in favor of a generator that’s heavy, noisy, and requires expensive gasoline.
It’s also normally the most suitable choice for these dedicated to a low carbon footprint, sustainability-minded way of life. Different renewable power sources, resembling wind and hydropower, aren’t simply dearer, however in addition they require entry to a dependable wind and water provide.
Then again, in case you are a typical home-owner dwelling in or close to a metropolis or city, then off-grid is sort of definitely not for you.
It is because off-grid photo voltaic methods for properties are costly and thus not often yield any financial savings over utility energy. Moreover, the excessive price of off-grid photo voltaic means owners are pressured to put in comparatively small methods; the restricted energy they supply imposes main way of life sacrifices on the house’s residents.
If it’s monetary financial savings you’re excited by, then take a look at grid-tied photo voltaic methods as a substitute. They’re the most cost effective technique to go photo voltaic, and in lots of states, they may end up in financial savings of $100,000 or greater. And having a connection to the grid signifies that you’ll have constant entry to all the facility you want.
You possibly can be taught extra about how grid-tied photo voltaic methods work here.
If, however, getting a battery backup like the Tesla Powerwall is a priority for you, then consider hybrid solar systems. Hybrid solar systems are grid-tied systems that also have batteries. While hybrid systems are more expensive than simple grid-tied systems — and thus offer lower savings — they are still far cheaper than an off-grid setup.
You can check the costs and savings of a grid-tied solar panel system by entering your address into the calculator below.
