PRODUCTs
Off Grid Solar Plant
Off Grid Solar System
An off-grid solar system (off of the-grid or standalone) is the obvious
alternative to one that is grid-tied. For homeowners that have access to the
grid, off-grid solar systems are usually out of question. Here`s why:
To ensure access to electricity at all times, off-grid solar systems
require battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off-the-grid). On
top of this, a battery bank typically needs to be replaced after 10 years.
Batteries are complicated, expensive and decrease overall system efficiency.
Advantage
No access to the utility grid
Off-grid solar systems can be cheaper than extending power lines in
certain remote areas.
Consider off-grid if you’re more than 100 yards from the grid. The costs
of overhead transmission lines range from INR 15,74,000 per Km (for rural
construction) to INR 25,000,000 per Km (for urban construction).
Become energy
self-sufficient
Living off the grid and being self-sufficient feels good. For some
people, this feeling is worth more than saving money. Energy self-sufficiency
is also a form of security. Power failures on the utility grid do not affect
off-grid solar systems.
On the flip side, batteries can only store a certain amount of energy,
and during cloudy times, being connected to the grid is actually where the
security is. You should install a backup generator to be prepared for these
kinds of situations.
Equipment for
Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Solar
Charge Controller
- Battery
Bank
- DC
Disconnect switch
- Off-Grid
Inverter
- Solar
panels
Solar Charge
Controller
Solar charge controllers are also known as charge regulators or just
battery regulators. The last term is probably the best to describe what this
device actually does: Solar battery chargers limit the rate of current being
delivered to the battery bank and protect the batteries from overcharging.
Good charge controllers are crucial for keeping the batteries healthy,
which ensures the lifetime of a battery bank is maximized. If you have a
battery-based inverter, chances are that the charge controller is integrated.
Battery Bank
Without a battery bank (or a generator) it’ll be lights out by sunset. A
battery bank is essentially a group of batteries wired together.
DC Disconnect Switch
AC and DC safety disconnects are required for all solar systems. For
off-grid solar systems, one additional DC disconnect is installed between the
battery bank and the off-grid inverter. It is used to switch off the current
flowing between these components. This is important for maintenance,
troubleshooting and protection against electrical fires.
Off-Grid Inverter
There`s no need for an inverter if you`re only setting up solar panels
for your boat, your RV, or something else that runs on DC current. You will
need an inverter to convert DC to AC for all other electrical appliances
Off-grid inverters do not have to match phase with the utility sine wave
as opposed to grid-tie inverters. Electrical current flows from the solar
panels through the solar charge controller and the bank battery bank before it
is finally converted into AC by the off-grid-inverter.
Solar Panel
Solar panel generates electricity from solar energy available during day
time.