You may have heard of solar energy, but you may not be aware that it can also be used to power your home. Solar energy is clean and renewable, and if you live in a rural area or off-grid house, it might be the best way for you to get electricity. In this article we’ll explore how solar power works for off-grid living and why it’s so beneficial for those who live outside of city limits.
We’ll also look at some considerations when sizing a solar power system: like how much electricity you need, what kind equipment is right for your situation (DIY vs professional installers), etc.
Off grid solar power systems
Off-grid solar power systems are systems that are not connected to the electrical grid and instead rely on solar energy to power homes and other buildings. These systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.
According to Solar.com, many off-grid homeowners have turned to solar power, used in conjunction with battery banks for energy storage, to power their homes. Though a complete off-grid system can have a high price tag, it’s often much more affordable than extending the electrical grid to remote properties. Solar Reviews states that consumers looking to purchase an off-grid system are faced with an overwhelming amount of choice, as off-grid systems are the sum of many parts, such as solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, and inverters. Forbes Home reports that on average, off-grid solar panels cost about $55,000 but can range from $20,000 for smaller, older panels to $100,000 and more for bigger, more complicated systems. AltE offers a variety of off-grid solar power systems, ranging from $9,907.37 for a 5.76kW system to $16,849.52 for an 8.64kW system. Finally, Solar Reviews states that off-grid solar kits that can power an entire home range from $12,000 to $50,000.
How does solar energy work for off-grid living?
Solar energy for off-grid living works by using solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in batteries or thermal storage and can be used to generate electricity. Solar technologies can also make use of mirrors that concentrate solar radiation to generate electricity
Additionally, an off-grid solar power system typically consists of four components: solar panels, batteries, a charge controller, and an inverter. The solar panels turn the sun’s rays into power that is then fed into the charge controller, which regulates the amount of charge going into the batteries. The batteries store the power and can be used to power 12 volt appliances directly or the current can be routed to an inverter, which converts the DC electricity into AC electricity
It is recommended to have 2-3 days worth of storage, which can be calculated by looking at the monthly kWh usage and dividing by 30 to get the daily usage rate, then multiplying by 2-3 days.
Sizing an off-grid solar power system
When sizing an off-grid solar power system, you will want to determine how much power you need. The amount of energy that a solar panel can generate depends on the number of panels and their size. For example, if there are two 100-watt panels installed in your home, they would produce 200 watts at maximum output. However, if only one panel was used instead of two (50 watts), then it would not be able to produce as much energy as when paired with another panel (100 watts).
You should also consider where your solar panels will be placed in relation to where you’ll use them most often or where the sun shines brightest during certain times throughout the year. If possible, try placing them close enough together so that they will all receive direct sunlight at least once per day; otherwise consider using an inverter or charge controller.
Choosing the right equipment for your off-grid solar power system
- When choosing the right equipment for your off-grid solar power system, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, choose solar panels that match your power needs. If you’re building a small cabin on a mountain side and only need enough electricity to operate some lights and charge cell phones, then a small set of 12-volt panels will be fine. On the other hand if you want to run an entire house off solar energy (and have enough space), then larger 24-volt systems may be better suited for this purpose.
- Next up: inverters! An inverter converts DC electricity from your batteries into AC current used by household appliances like televisions or refrigerators. It also regulates voltage flow so everything runs smoothly without getting zapped with too much juice (or not enough). Inverters come in different sizes based on how much power they can handle at once–but don’t worry about doing any math here because most off grid kits come with pre-selected models already built into them! Just make sure yours has enough amps available before ordering one online…because nothing ruins an afternoon faster than having no juice left after powering up every gadget.
- Batteries are another important part of any renewable energy system–but unlike solar panels or charge controllers which stay indoors all year long regardless whether there’s sunlight shining down or clouds blocking out rays from above; these require regular maintenance due their constant exposure outdoors where dust can get inside easily thanks especially during dry seasons.
You can power your home with solar energy.
Solar energy is a clean, renewable, and efficient energy source. It can be used to power your home and water heating system in conjunction with other renewable energy sources like wind or hydroelectricity.
Solar panels are installed on the roof of your house and they absorb sunlight throughout the day to generate electricity which is stored in batteries inside your home. The amount of electricity generated depends on how much time there is available for photosynthesis (the process by which plants convert light into chemical energy).
Bottom Line
If you’re wondering whether solar energy is right for your off-grid living situation, call us today. We’ll help you design a system that fits your needs and budget.