What is an Off Grid Solar System?
First we need to distinguish between the two main types of solar systems: off grid and grid tied.
An off grid solar system is not connected to the power grid. This means that the home or business owner must generate all of their own power from solar panels.
As the off grid solar system is not connected to the grid and all power generated can either be consumed straight away by connected appliances and/or be stored away for future use i.e. night time or cloudy days.
A grid tied solar system is connected to the power grid. This means that the home or business owner can use the power grid as a backup if they need more power than their solar panels can generate. They can also sell any surplus solar power that their solar system generates, back to the utility company.
What are the different types of Off Grid Solar Applications
As the cost of traditional electricity continues to rise, more and more people and organisations are looking into off grid solar power as a viable alternative. But what are the different types of off grid solar applications?
- Agricultural
- Industrial
- Residential
- Power Consumers
1. Agricultural
Solar power is quickly becoming a big energy user in the agriculture industry. California’s Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, has more than 9,000 farms that use about $2.5 billion worth of electricity every year. That’s about as much as San Francisco and Los Angeles combined. Most of that power goes to water irrigation systems.
Now a new study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests that solar could play a big role in reducing those energy costs. The study looked at three different types of solar projects—large ground-mounted systems, small rooftop systems, and floating PV systems—and found that they could save the valley’s farmers between $700 million and $1.1 billion over the next two decades.
In developing countries, such as a number of African countries, irrigation systems powered by solar energy can help farmers grow more food with less water. Solar water pumps can also be used to irrigate crops, and in some cases they can be used to pump water from underground sources for livestock or crop irrigation. Solar panels can also be used to provide power for agricultural machinery, such as tractors and harvesters. In many cases, solar energy systems can provide significant cost savings for farmers compared to traditional fuel sources.
2. Industrial
In industrial and commercial settings, solar energy is used for a variety of purposes. Factories can use solar panels to generate electricity to power their machines. Hospitals can use solar energy to heat water for use in sterilization and laundry processes.
Solar energy can also be used to power communications systems and security cameras at prisons, schools, and other large buildings. In rural areas, solar energy is often used to power public water pumps.
Oil and gas companies are starting to look at using off grid solar on their offshore platforms, which in a way is ironic, since these platforms are extracting fossil fuels. Anyway, the advantages include lower operating costs, and reduced environmental impact. Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that can be used to offset the use of fossil fuels on offshore platforms.
3. Residential
There are many solar applications for habitats. For families that live off the grid or have no access to the grid, solar power can be a great option to generate electricity. Solar energy is also a good choice for homes that want to unplug from the grid altogether. In addition, solar power can be used for water heating, space heating and cooling, and powering appliances.
Solar water pump systems are one option that is becoming increasingly popular.
Solar water pump systems use energy from the sun to power a pump that draws water from a well or other source and delivers it to a storage tank. They are an affordable and environmentally friendly way to get clean water without having to rely on electricity or diesel generators. Solar water pump systems can be installed in both rural and urban areas, and they work even in cloudy climates
4. Power Consumers
Boat, Yachts, sailboats, and motorboats can all benefit from solar power. Solar panels can be installed on the roof or deck of the boat to provide power for lights, electronics, and other appliances. Some boats even have solar-powered engines that run entirely on electricity.
Camper vans, RVs, Caravans: If you like to camp or travel in a recreational vehicle, solar power is a great option. This allows people to travel without having to worry about finding an outlet to plug in their vehicle.
Another option is to purchase an electric vehicle, such as an eBike, eMotor Scooter, or eMotorbike. The batteries in these vehicles can be powered by solar energy, which means you can charge their batteries by using the sun’s rays.
You can also use solar energy to power your mobile devices. Phones, laptops, and tablets can all be powered by solar energy with the help of a solar charger.
What are the Components of an Off Grid Solar System
For most DC-coupled off-grid solar systems it really comes down to four main components – solar panels, charger controller, inverter and the battery bank. There is a lot more that can go into a solar system setup, but those are the four main pieces.
Solar Panels
The most important component of any off grid solar system is the solar panels. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, so you’ll need enough panels to provide the power you need.
Charge Controller
The charge controller regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery bank. It also prevents overcharging and protects against deep discharge. There are two types of charge controller, MPPT nd PWM
An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) charge controller is a type of solar charge controller that uses an algorithm to optimize the charging of batteries from a solar array. By tracking the maximum power point of the array, an MPPT controller can extract more power from the array and deliver it to the batteries. This can result in increased battery efficiency and longevity, as well as reduced charging times.
Most solar charge controllers available today are of the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) type. While these controllers are able to regulate battery charging and prevent over-charging, they are not as efficient as MPPT controllers. In fact, PWM controllers can lose up to 30% of the power generated by a solar array due to their lower conversion efficiencies.
Battery Bank
The battery bank stores the electricity generated by the solar panels until it’s needed. The size of your battery bank will depend on how much power you need.
There are a variety of battery technologies available, the following being the most popular for off grid applications:
- Flooded Lead Acid
- Sealed Lead Acid (AGM or GEL)
- Lithium Ion
Flooded lead acid batteries are the least expensive option, but they require regular maintenance. Sealed lead acid batteries are more expensive than flooded lead acid, but they don’t require maintenance and they are less susceptible to damage from vibration. Lithium ion batteries are the most expensive option, but they have the longest life cycle and highest efficiency.
Solar Inverter
Solar inverters are devices that convert the direct current (DC) output of solar panels into alternating current (AC). AC is the form of electricity that is used in homes and businesses. Solar inverters are a key component of any solar power system and are necessary to convert the DC output of the solar panels into usable AC power.
There are many different types of solar inverters available on the market, from small inverters for residential use to large inverters for commercial or industrial applications. It is important to select an inverter that is appropriate for your needs and your budget.
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Off Grid Solar System
Advantages
Off grid solar systems provide a number of advantages for homeowners and businesses. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that off grid systems allow you to become independent from the utility grid, thus providing a level of security and reliability not found in most traditional power grids. Additionally, off grid solar systems are much more environmentally friendly than traditional power sources, as they do not produce any emissions or pollutants. Finally, off grid solar systems can be significantly less expensive than traditional power sources in the long run.
Disadvantages
The first disadvantage of going off the grid is the initial investment cost. They require batteries for storage, which can be expensive, especially Lithium Ion but these will last many years in comparison to the Lead acid batteries.
Another disadvantage of going off the grid is that you are responsible for all of your own maintenance and repairs, however, if the point of being off grid is to be self sufficient, then this should not be a problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an off grid solar system is a great way to reduce your reliance on the grid and save money on your energy bill. There are many different types of off grid solar systems, so be sure to do your research to find the one that is right for you. Components of an off grid solar system include a solar panel, a battery, and a charge controller. With these components, you can create a system that will meet your needs and help you live a more sustainable life.
