In Part 5 of this series, we’ll look at the type of system that provides the most energy independence, the off-grid system.

Off the Grid: A Definition

Off-grid basically means that the electricity for the home or building is supplied by means other than the grid, either through a solar energy system or some other alternative energy source.

Components of an off-grid solar electrical system

1.Solar panels

As with all solar energy systems, this is where it all begins, with the solar panels collecting energy from the sun and converting it into usable electricity.

2. Mounting racks

Once you’ve determined how many solar panels you’ll need to supply all the electricity for your home or business needs, the next step is deciding where to put them and how! That’s where mounting racks come in. Mounting racks allow you to secure your panels to the ceiling (usually) or to the ground (also an option, but depends on how much land is available).

3. Array DC Disconnect

The array’s DC disconnect works in the same way as the circuit breaker panel in your home, in that it disconnects the solar array in the event of an electrical overload.

4. Charge controller

Since a battery is a necessary component of an off-grid solar power system, in the interest of extending battery life, you will need a charge controller. It prevents the battery from overcharging and, if equipped with an undervoltage disconnect, from over-discharging, both of which can seriously reduce battery life. Take care of your battery and it will take care of you.

5. Battery bank

A battery bank is a necessity for an off-grid system, as it stores the electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels for use at night or on cloudy days.

6. System meter

System gauges are like the gauges in your car in that they provide various measures of the performance of your solar electric system, such as the state of discharge of the battery, the amount of electricity produced by the solar panels, etc. You can operate a solar electric system without a system meter, but it would be like driving your car without the meters: you would be constantly worrying about what disaster awaits around the corner.

7. Main DC disconnect

For off-grid systems, this is a must, as it provides a quick and safe way to disconnect the inverter from the battery, thus preventing electrical fires.

8. Investor

The inverter converts the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity to run appliances and devices. Off-grid inverters are usually stored indoors near the battery bank, as they are not weatherproof.

9. AC Breaker Panel/Inverter AC Disconnect

This panel contains labeled circuit breakers for all circuits in a home and prevents circuit overload. Since the inverter provides AC electricity to the house, it is necessary to add a breaker to the panel to protect the inverter circuit.

10. Backup Generator

Although these are loud and smelly, you’ll need one to complete your off-grid system for extended periods of cloudy or inclement weather. At most, this will only take 50-200 hours a year, and is much cheaper than designing a solar power system to cover worst-case scenarios.

If you are interested in the power of total independence, then this is the type of system for you. Once your system is in place, you can look forward to a virtually free energy future with zero environmental cost, good for your wallet and the future of the world.