Off Grid Electricity

Off Grid electricity is created when Solar radiation direct from the Sun is converted directly into electricity in DC form. Given that most devices use AC power, an inverter is necessary to convert the power to 230 or 110 VAC so an inverter is a vital part of any solar power installation to create Off-Grid Electricity.

Off-grid power

Also most installations are connected to the grid connection found in most homes and commercial properties. The power generated throughout the day can be used directly but any surplus is fed directly to the grid where its credited to the account of the customer. All properties with a grid connected installation have a two way meter which records for amount of power sent to the grid but also indicates when the customer is drawing from the grid. In the absence of storage all power at night is drawn from the grid (or a generator).

Why has this situation arisen?

The use of solar energy has developed and grown in high latitude developed countries where there has been a comprehensive, efficient grid for at least the last 100 years. A few grid connected countries include rich countries in South East Asia and Australia and the southern USA and California but mostly solar power is generated in the most hostile solar environments where there are efficient alternatives. In the countries with the highest output of solar radiation grids are usually poorly developed and so are ideal for offgrid solar.

Off-Grid electricity from solar is the generation of most of your own power when using solar PV panels with some of the power stored in batteries for nighttime use. In previous years expensive, less efficient batteries and  were employed and only had a short lifespan, often as little as 4 years. Nowadays long life lithium batteries have dramatically reduced in price and if maintained can have a life of up to 20 years. This will undoubtedly improve as the efficiency of batteries improves with the wider use of electric vehicles. The combination of storage and solar will account for up to 95% of energy use but even in a tropical environment there will be cloudy days and less solar energy available. But even on the cloudiest of days some solar and light bouncing off fields, buildings and clouds which can be collected by the solar pv panels.

The other 5% can be secured either by more solar pv panels or better management of your energy use – turn off some of the air conditioners or fans – switch  to dehumidifiers  or ecocoolers and switch to low energy LED lighting.

When you generate your own off Grid electricity, you need to manage it

Why should I go off grid;

• Solar energy is free
• Storage is getting cheaper all the time
• Off-Grid electricity means no more electricity bills
• Good investment with a payback of 8-10 years
• I am ‘green’ and I want to set an example to my neighbours and friends
• Keep it in the ground – friends – we have to use less fossil fuels or preferably none at all
• Keep power even when the grid is down and a storm has damaged the overhead lines
• Protect our pristine environment from anymore damage to our environment
• Benefit from a pleasant environment. No noise, no smell, no fog, no poisonous gases and no danger to the environment
• Grid power is getting more and more expensive and this will accelerate with nuclear power and all the hidden costs. Who pays for all the waste from nuclear power and guarantees the investment in the project ?
• Even grid power from large Hydro electric stations have consequences. They cost a lot and take many years to build and can have damaging effects on the ecosystem. If water levels drop because of climate change it means less electrical power will be available.
• Mass production of the components of solar installations will become cheaper as more people install solar both small and large
• Adverse weather conditions and earthquakes can seriously damage grid systems and often deprive residents of power for many days, even weeks and months.

Mounting Off Grid electricity systems

Large Off Grid electricity systems can be mounted in 10, 20 or 40 foot containers ready to turn on and operate when the container reaches the client. Inside a container the equipment is protected from adverse and stormy weather conditions. It also prevents theft, vandalism and damage to equipment. During shipping the solar PV panels and plastic mounting trays are stored in the container and only removed when the shipment reaches the client. As the panels are fitted (some on the roof of the container) they are removed and fitted as required.

If the client wants to stay on the grid and use it during cloudy weather to recharge the batteries an ESS (energy storage system) would be ideal. If possible the client can also sell surplus power to the grid while still consuming most of their power OFFGRID.

Whatever your desire Off Grid Installer is ready to build and install a solar energy system unique to your needs.

Call now and complete our online enquiry form.