Want to go Energy-Independent with an Off-Grid Solar System?
Are you exploring options for reducing your reliance on the grid? Are you living in remote locations, like a cabin in the woods or an area that isn’t connected to the grid yet? Installing an off-grid solar system is a good approach to achieving energy independence. With solar panels and a battery-powered generator, you can generate all of your energy without needing the electrical grid.
In this article, we discuss the main things to consider before installing an off-grid solar installation, as well as the equipment needed and the costs of a system.
What is an off-grid solar system?
Being “off the grid” means not relying on a utility company for electricity. Off-grid solar systems convert the sun’s radiation into electricity using solar panels and store electricity in an energy storage system. An inverter is used to convert the DC (direct current) energy from the solar panels and battery storage system into AC (alternating current) electricity for use in a home or building.
What components are in an off-grid solar system?
An off-grid solar system consists of 4 main components
- Solar panels
- An energy storage system that stores excess electricity produced by the solar panels
- A solar inverter to converts DC electricity form the solar and batteries into AC electricity for use in the home
- A charge controller that controls the flow of energy from the solar panels to the batteries
What are the types of off-grid solar systems?
There are three main types of off-grid systems. Before choosing the system design, it is recommended to consider the energy demand.
1. Solar with Energy Storage Systems
The cost of a solar system varies depending on energy needs. The more energy needed, the more solar panels needed. More panels also means a bigger battery storage system and higher capacity inverters and charge controllers, all of which add costs. These systems only use solar to generate power. Any excess energy generated by the panels is stored in batteries and used when the panels don’t generate enough power to run the home, like at night or on cloudy days
2. Solar Panel System with Backup Generator
This design includes a backup generator in addition to solar panels. During the day, the solar system produces electricity; at night or during periods of low sunlight, a backup generator provides electricity. Typically, natural gas, diesel, or gasoline are used to power these backup generators. Before choosing a generator system, it’s important to understand how much it will cost to fuel the generator for years and you should consider fuel price changes in your energy cost calculations.
3. Hybrid Solar Energy System
A hybrid solar system combines a solar energy system with other renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power or a wind turbine to provide a reliable and diverse power supply. Similar to solar-only systems, hybrid systems require external batteries to power your home year round and add costs and complications to a system
What are the pros & cons of an off-grid solar system?
When deciding to go off-grid, you need to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of off-grid solar systems. Although the off-grid systems have benefits like energy independence, they also have drawbacks including high upfront costs and complicated systems.
Pros of Off-Grid Solar System:
No electricity bills: An off-grid solar system ensures that you never have an electricity bill.
Self-sufficient: With off-grid solar, you have complete control over your electricity and don’t need to depend on other sources.
No utility blackouts: Off-grid systems are unaffected by grid power outages.
Power in remote locations: An off-grid solar system makes it easier to obtain reliable power in remote locations not serviced by the electric grid.
Tax credit: A 30% federal tax credit is available for off-grid solar installations
Cons of Off-Grid Solar System:
High initial costs:Off-grid solar systems require substantial upfront investments for solar panels, batteries, and inverters, deterring some from adopting this sustainable energy solution.
Location barriers: You may not be able to install an off-grid system in a town or city because of local regulations.
Limited energy storage capacity:If a battery storage system is not sized to provide 24 hours or more of your energy needs, it could lead to potential energy shortages during extended periods of low sunlight, such as cloudy weeks or winter months.
Maintenance challenges:Off-grid systems demand regular maintenance of solar panels and batteries, often in remote locations. This can make it inconvenient and costly to ensure optimal performance or if the system has any major failures.
No backup energy source: Off-grid solar is different from grid-tied solar as it cannot get power from the grid when necessary. You could, on rare occasions, deplete all of your saved energy during a cloudy period. You will not have power until the sun returns.
How much does it cost to install an off-grid solar system?
Going off the grid is expensive. It may be feasible for homeowners with exceptionally low electricity demands. Going off-grid with solar is, however, a much more difficult and costly process than a grid-connected solar array.
To find out if moving off the grid is practical for your house and how much it will cost, make these calculations:
Calculate your electric consumption
Analyze how many solar panels you’ll need to produce all your energy, and how many batteries you’ll require to store power
Design a solar power and energy storage system that meets your energy requirements
Use a solar cost estimator to understand the costs of such a solar+battery storage system
What factors affect the cost of an off-grid solar power system?
● System Size
Your off-grid solar system’s cost is directly related to its size, which is expressed in kilowatts (kWs). Larger systems need additional solar panels, and off-grid systems need batteries, and other equipment that raises the initial cost. Tax credits and some incentives can help reduce these expenses.
● Location
The cost also is dependent on the off-grid site’s location. The amount of sunlight and the average number of hours during which the sun shines during the day affect how many solar panels are required to produce enough electricity. Additionally, solar installation and maintenance costs may be higher in remote places, raising overall costs.
● Additional Equipment
Mounting and wiring are part of any solar installation. The energy storage system, charge controller, hybrid inverter, and other equipment aren’t. Those all add significant costs.
● System Maintenance
Labor expenditures for a solar energy system are around $0.59 per watt, which comes to roughly 10% of the entire system cost. For instance, labor costs for a 5kW solar energy system—a typical size for a home system—should come to roughly $3,000 over the system’s lifetime.
Why should you consider going off-grid?
The reasons for considering off-grid solar systems include:
● Break-Free from Rising Utility Costs:
Switching to an off-grid solar system provides a liberating escape from rising utility bills. As utility prices continue to grow, opting for solar power guarantees a stable and predictable energy expenditure.
● Protection Against Grid Failures:
Off-grid solar systems isolate you from power grid failures. With
increasing concerns about the vulnerability of centralized energy distribution,
going off-grid ensures a constant power supply even when the conventional grid
experiences disruptions.
● Environmental Stewardship:
Choosing an off-grid solar system aligns with eco-friendly practices, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing your carbon footprint. By harnessing solar energy, individuals contribute to a sustainable and cleaner planet.
● Energy Independence:
Off-grid solar empowers you with energy independence. Off-grid system owners have control over their energy production, consumption, and storage, fostering a sense of self-reliance and autonomy in power generation.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning to an off-grid solar system offers a path to energy independence, environmental responsibility, and resilience against utility uncertainties. While the upfront costs and maintenance challenges may be daunting, the benefits make it a compelling choice.
However, considering factors like system size, location, and maintenance, are all essential in determining the overall cost. Embracing off-grid solar not only breaks free from rising utility costs but also aligns with a commitment to sustainable living and a cleaner planet.
Are you still confused between off-grid solar systems and grid-tied systems? We are here to help you out! Book a FREE appointment and our energy experts will help you understand the best options for your energy needs.
