Off-Grid solar systems

Off grid solar power systems

For houses in remote locations where there are no power lines, solar power is a great solution. An off grid solar system provides you with energy throughout the whole day and the battery bank is there for the nighttime. 

What is an off grid solar power system

There are three main types of solar system: grid-tie, hybrid, off-grid. They differ in their connection to the commercial grid and the components. Grid-tie and hybrid systems are connected to power lines and you can either draw the electricity from the grid or sell your excess energy into it. Off grid solar panel system, as the name entails, doesn’t have a connection to the power grid whatsoever. Your house is powered solely by solar panels and a battery bank.

Mobile solar installations, such as RV and boat solar systems, also fall into off-grid solar power systems category. Vehicles and vessels sometimes already have their own house batteries. The energy needs of a boondocker or a sailor are relatively low and even one powerful panel can be enough for everything you’ve got. Keep in mind that warranties for PV modules generally apply only to residential systems.

Advantages:

• Great solution for remote locations. A photovoltaic system is a good alternative to gas generators that are commonly used for remote houses, RVs and boats. Solar panels don’t need fuel, they don’t make any sound or smell. They work as long as there is daylight and last for over 25 years. 
• Full energy autonomy. With an off grid solar system for a small home, you don’t depend on utilities and their policies. Since you aren’t connected to the grid, power outages aren’t a threat. Having an off-grid system proves to be especially advantageous in times of natural disasters when power lines are often down.

Disadvantages:

• No net metering. Selling excess solar energy into the grid is the main way in which a solar system brings you money. Since there is no grid, it’s not an option and you can’t really do much with leftover kilowatt-hours. 
• A battery bank is expensive. Off grid solar power systems for homes always require batteries since that is what keeps your house powered at night and on gloomy days. Lead-acid batteries are the cheapest option but they are fragile and inefficient.

An off grid solar system kit includes:

• solar panels;
• off-grid inverter;
• charge controller;
• batteries.

Off grid solar system wiring diagram

Here is a basic scheme of an off-grid system. Note that batteries use direct current that is coming from your panels. The inverter draws DC from the battery bank and converts it into alternating current that is suitable for house appliances. 

A charge controller is often overlooked but it’s important to add it for the safety of your batteries. It protects energy storage from high voltage for solar arrays and prevents overcharge and deep discharge. A controller is relatively inexpensive and it significantly prolongs the lifetime of your battery bank. 

Off grid solar system cost

Your expenses will primarily depend on the size of your installation, panels that you’ll choose and your battery bank. Chinese solar panels, such as PV modules from Jinko, JA, Trina Solar, are the cheapest. American-made panels are slightly more expensive but the quality is higher. The most advanced PV modules of the highest quality come from brands like LG, Sunpower, REC, Panasonic, but going for them will significantly increase your off grid solar power system’s cost.

Pay attention to controllers and batteries as well. PWM controllers are cheaper and simpler than MPPT regulators. MPPT controllers, on the other hand, are much more efficient and they fit all kinds of systems. When it comes to energy storage, lead-acid batteries are cheaper, but lithium-ion ones last longer, provide higher efficiency and allow for deeper discharge.

Why buy from us

At A1 SolarStore you can get yourself a complete off grid solar system where all the parts are already sized together. Here is how we operate:

• Our fulfillment centers are located on East and West coast of United States
• We process all orders in 24 hours and ship them in 48 hours
• Delivery takes 4-7 business days
• We sell A-grade equipment only from verified manufactures — no counterfeit products
• Affordable pricing on all solar energy equipment

We offer a variety of off grid solar system kits. Don’t hesitate to contact us: our managers will be glad to answer any questions about prices, warranties and shipping options.