A Guide to Off Grid Solar

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The idea of running your home completely free of utility companies is an attractive one. Many homeowners have chosen to go this route, seeking the independence, sustainability, and cost savings that an off-grid solar system can provide. Of course, you may be forced to go off-grid to due to the remote location of your property. Going off-grid means that 100% of your electricity will be derived through the collection of solar energy and any back up resources.

Off Grid Solar: How does it work?

Off-grid Solar Systems &#; often referred to as Stand-alone power systems (SAPS) &#; work by generating electricity from solar panels and using it to charge a solar battery via a charger controller. That electricity is then converted using an inverter so that it can power your home or business appliances. By storing the electricity in a solar battery, it is possible to run your home exclusively from solar energy, even at night or during times when there is less than optimal sun exposure.

Components of an Off Grid Solar System

For an off-grid solar power system to work effectively in the average home, you will require a few pieces of equipment. Depending on the size and the scale of your solar power system set-up, your individual needs are likely to be different from other off grid system owners, but there are some main pieces you will definitely need to get up and running.

• Solar Panels

As the name suggests, solar panels are an obvious first ingredient. The precise size and production capabilities of your individual solar panel array will depend on the amount of available sunlight in your region, the usable space of your roof, and your energy consumption needs.

• Solar Batteries

A solar battery will also be necessary, to allow your home to continue to run after the sun goes down. Throughout the day, your solar storage device will charge as your panels generate excess electricity. Rather than simply losing out on all of that available solar power, a battery enables you to keep it for use at a later time. Depending on your energy needs, you may have a single battery, or even a battery bank.

• Solar Inverters

In order to convert the direct current (DC) collected by your solar panel array into the alternating current (AC) required to run most of your common household appliances and electronics, your solar power system will also need a solar inverter &#; sometimes referred to as a solar converter or a PV inverter. For the purposes of an off-grid system, you will likely use a stand-alone inverter, though there are a few options when it comes to set-up.

• Solar Charge Controller

The solar charge controller or battery charger is vital to the health of your battery. The controller regulates the voltage and current that your solar battery receives, to prevent overcharging and damage.

• Alternative energy source

It may be worth considering an alternative source of energy as back up for your system. This can be especially handy during the depths of winter when solar production is at its lowest. Many owners who use off-grid systems combine them with a generator that can power some of their homes&#; electricity needs.

Going off grid: is it right for you?

If you have the option of going off grid, it&#;s worth considering the pros and cons as opposed to staying connected to the grid. Of course, you may not have the option and have to use a off-grid system in order to power your home. If you want to see what size system and battery bank you would need to take your home off the grid, you can use our purpose built off grid calculator.

• Environmental Impact

There&#;s no doubt that solar energy is much cleaner and eco-friendly than using fossil fuelled power. Going green is one of the main draws for a grid-free lifestyle, and using a renewable resource like solar power is a perfect way to lower your carbon footprint. However, your excess, clean, solar generated energy is not used by anyone else. It goes to waste. If you are connected to the grid, this green energy can be exported back into the grid and then used by someone else.

• Energy Independence

Another big advantage of going off grid is that you achieve 100% independence from electricity retailers. You will not pay anything for your electricity costs, and you are 100% insured against rising energy prices. Your system also protects you from grid-tied power failures or blackouts.

The flipside is, you are truly on your own. If your power system is knocked offline by equipment failure or inclement weather, the utility company isn&#;t coming to your aid. That means it&#;s up to you to make sure your equipment meets your needs (checking the capacity for storage as well as our output, to ensure your solar power system can meet your demands), and to keep that equipment in working order.

How can I get one?

That&#;s where we can help! We can provide free quotes and have expert off-grid installers discuss and recommend systems for your property. Costs will vary, depending on your individual needs, but we&#;ll help you get the quotes you need to determine what kind of off grid solar power system you can build to fit your budget and needs.

Link to Qianyun

You may have heard of houses being off-grid. What does it mean? What is the concept of going off-grid? How do solar panels work? What are the other considerations that you need to think about when going off-grid? These are just some of the questions that will be answered in this ultimate guide for off grid solar system.

Understanding the Concept of Going Off-Grid

When houses go off-grid, it means that the owners generate their electricity. They do not depend on the local electricity distribution system to supply them. People who own houses that are off-grid can maintain their own electrical system and do not depend on the provision of the utility company for their home. Going off-grid has its perks. Since you produce your own electricity, you are less likely to have a power failure in the home. You can also use as many electronics as you want in the home as long as you have enough power supply.

Being off-grid is often associated with the usage of solar panels. And rightly so, it is true. The utilization of solar panels is often the route that most homeowners take when they want to go off-grid. These homeowners choose this way of power supply because of the durability of the individual units and the longevity of the whole unit, and the amount of electricity that it can produce to power up the whole house.

How does off grid solar system work

If you choose the off-grid solar power system, you are separating yourself from the supply of electric power from the utility company. This means that should have a battery in your home that stores the electricity. Off-grid systems should provide a supply for the home day in and day out. When you have seasons of winter, it is best to secure off-grid solar power systems that can produce electricity throughout the year.

The off grid solar power system is usually composed of these parts: solar panels, solar charge controller, inverter, and battery. The solar panels are usually placed on the roof of the home. They gather the energy that comes from the sun. this energy is converted to electricity by the solar charge controller and stored in the battery. The electricity of off grid solar power systems is in the direct current or DC. This means that it can power up electrical appliances that run on direct current.

Since most of the electronics at home run on AC or alternating current, you will need to add an inverter in your solar power system assembly. This inverter will convert DC to AC. In this way, you can directly plug your appliances and electronics on electric sockets in the home.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Go Off-Grid

The question about the number of solar panels needed to go off-grid is relative to the following factors:

- The electricity that your house will consume

- The roof space that your home is capable of accommodating

- The amount of sunlight that you can accumulate in your home

- The type of solar panels that you will pick for your house

On the average, a home that chooses to go off-grid requires around 7,000 watts or 7 kW of power in order to supply electricity to the whole area. If you think that you will be needing more electricity for your home, you will then have to invest in more solar panels and have a bigger capacity for your battery and controller.

A typical solar panel generates around 200 watts of power. As the solar panel size increases, its performance also increases. Its framework also affects the number of photovoltaic cells that can be mounted on the roof home.

For a 200-watt panel, you will need 35 units of solar panels to be installed in your home. To comfortably install these 35 pieces of solar panels, you will need, at least, around 390 square feet of space.

How to Calculate the Number of Solar Panels Needed

When it comes to calculating the number of solar panels needed for a specific project, there are a few important factors to consider. These factors can include the amount of energy needed, the location of the project, the efficiency of the solar panels, and the type of solar panels used.

To begin with, it is important to determine the amount of energy needed. This can be done by looking at previous energy bills, or by estimating the amount of energy that will be required for the project. Once the energy needs are established, it is possible to calculate the size of the solar panel required to meet the energy demands.

Another factor to consider is the location of the project. This is because the amount of sunlight that the solar panels can receive will vary depending on the location, as well as the time of year. For example, if a project is located in a sunny location with long daylight hours, fewer solar panels may be required to meet the energy needs. For example, if your daily energy usage is 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and your location receives an average of 6 hours of full sunlight each day, you will need to install a solar power system with a capacity of 5 kW. If the solar panels you are planning to use have an output of 300 watts per panel, you will need to install 17 panels to reach the desired capacity level.

The efficiency of the solar panels is also a crucial factor to consider when calculating the number of panels needed. High-efficiency panels can produce more energy, which means that fewer panels may be required to meet the energy demands of the project. One such example is the anker solar generator 767, which boasts an impressive conversion efficiency rating of 23%&#;the highest of any similar system on the market. This Wh powerhouse is combined with five 200W solar panels for your use. Anker PowerHouse 767 is the most reliable, long-lasting generator on the market. Powered by InfiniPower&#; technology, LiFePO4 batteries, and specially designed electronic components, this solar generator can last up to 10 years, even with everyday use. The 531 Solar Panel is adjustable between 40°, 50° or 60° via a kickstand and provides waterproof protection (IP67) against bad weather and rugged outdoor adventures. With W of power you can charge up to 12 devices simultaneously such as your RV with the exclusive RV port, 4 AC ports with a wattage of up to W, 3 USB-C charging ports, 2 USB-A ports and 2 car outlets. Plus, the Anker PowerHouse 767 offers superior coverage with its 5-year full-device warranty making this device the perfect solution for anyone who needs reliable, off-grid energy.

Finally, the type of solar panel used can also affect the number of panels needed. There are two main types of solar panels - monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient, but can also be more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable, but less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts.

In conclusion, calculating the number of solar panels required for a project involves considering several factors, such as the energy needs, location, efficiency, and type of solar panels used. By carefully evaluating each of these factors, it is possible to accurately calculate the number of solar panels needed for a successful solar project.

Other Considerations for Going Off-Grid with Solar Panels

When going off-grid with solar panels, you have to consider other factors such as financing options, investment payback, and system maintenance. Since the overhead costs of materials and installation are thousands of dollars, it may be safe for you to consider financing options offered by companies. You also have to understand the investment payback. Usually, your return on investment is 5 to 10 years.

Aside from the materials and units that you will use upon installation, you should also have to consider the regular maintenance of the individual parts. All the solar panels, controllers, batteries, and inverters must be checked to ensure that they are working properly.

Conclusion

Going off-grid with solar panels is a great way to save on electricity bills. You can use solar energy for your home and other power needs. With the right number of panels, space, and maintenance, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of going off-grid without any hassle. Consulting an expert from Anker can help get you on the right track to making your home solar-powered. This can help you save money and become energy independent in the long run.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Off grid solar systems. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.