Off-Grid Solar Power Systems

Off-grid Systems work independently of the grid but have batteries which can store the solar power generated by the system. The system usually consists of solar panels, battery, charge controller, grid box, inverter, mounting structure and balance of systems. The panels store enough sunlight during the day and use the excess power generated in the night.

These systems are self-sustaining and can provide power for critical loads in areas where a power grid is not available. However, these systems require specialized equipment to function and can be costly to install. These are ideal for businesses which can sustain for a short period of time with no electricity.
Electricity supply in rural and remote areas – Off-Grid Solar Systems can facilitate independent, long-term and sustainable electricity generation in rural and remote areas.

Power back up in areas with frequent electricity cuts – A number of places in India face frequent power cuts due to power transmission malfunctions, which can hamper operations of companies and public institutions. Off-grid solar systems can provide an economical and viable long-term backup solution to overcome the problems occurring during frequent power cuts.

These self-sustainable systems can work independently and do not rely on the grid. They generate enough power that can be stored and used at night or when the power grid is down.

Solar Off Grid inverter

These are ideal for remote areas where there is no power access from the grid. Grid failures and shutdowns will not affect your power supply. An off-grid solar system is more popular and comes with a power backup. It works independently of the Grid Inverter. 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 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. An off-grid solar energy system is not connected to the utility grid, whereas an on-grid (aka grid-tied) solar energy system is connected to the utility grid. Your choice of an off-grid system or on-grid system will determine your access to electricity, what equipment is needed for excess production, what happens when the grid goes down, and how you’re billed for electricity.

Depending on the size of the system you install, how much electricity you use, and when you use that electricity, there will likely be times when your system is producing more electricity than you’re using. What happens to this excess energy depends on the equipment you install.

Most off-grid solar systems are designed to produce a certain amount of “extra” electricity in the daytime, which is sent to batteries for storage. The energy stored in those batteries can then be accessed when the system is not producing, like at night or during cloudy weather.

Depending on your energy goals, systems can be sized to produce enough excess electricity in the daytime to cover your entire energy usage around-the-clock.

However, despite even the best and most accurate estimates, the weather is unpredictable. If you experience abnormally cloudy weather several days in a row, your system may not be able to produce enough electricity to charge the batteries and fulfil all your needs.

While having extra batteries offers peace of mind and can provide a bank of stored electricity just in case this happens, they’re also expensive. Purchasing more batteries than you need may be cost-prohibitive, depending on your budget.

Benefits of Off-Grid.

When you’re grid-tied, if there is a power outage, there’s nothing you can do about it but wait out the storm. If you have an off-grid solar power system, you won’t experience these blackouts. The energy is stored and ready for potential disasters so you’ll always have that added protection. When other’s experience these power outages, you’ll be fine. Off-grid solar energy systems are as reliable as they come. By storing energy in batteries, you’re able to have a house that is powered at all times, whether it’s cloudy days or amid potential natural disasters.