off grid solar system presentation

On Grid vs Off Grid Solar: A Power System Comparison

By: Author Shannon Adrian

Posted on Published: 02/06/2024  - Last updated: 02/07/2024

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Choosing the right solar power system is important for homeowners as it significantly impacts energy usage, costs, and sustainability. The two primary options are on-grid (grid-tied) and off-grid solar energy systems , each offering unique benefits and drawbacks.

This article will delve into the essential details of these systems and help you make an informed decision that best suits your circumstances and preferences.

Key Takeaways

• On-grid solar systems are connected to the utility grid, allowing constant electricity access and net metering benefits.
• Off-grid solar systems offer complete energy independence, relying on solar panels and batteries for power generation and storage.
• Grid-tied solar systems typically have lower upfront costs than off-grid solutions and can save on electricity bills.
• Off-grid systems have higher initial investments but provide energy self-reliance and can lead to long-term cost savings.
• Hybrid solar energy systems combine on-grid reliability with off-grid independence, offering backup power during outages and energy savings.
• Energy security is crucial in choosing between solar system types, with off-grid and hybrid systems providing resilience against power outages.

Grid-Tied and Off-Grid Solar Power Systems

As the popularity of renewable energy increases, homeowners are exploring various options for eco-friendly and cost-effective power solutions.

Solar power systems, in particular, come in two primary flavors:  grid-tied solar  (or on-grid) and  off-grid solar . Both types have unique advantages and challenges, tailored to various power needs and preferences.

The key differences between these solar power systems lie in their  energy independence  and their  electric grid connection .

• Grid-tied solar (on-grid) systems:  These solar power systems are directly connected to the public grid. Homeowners can draw additional power from the grid whenever their solar panels are not producing enough electricity. Conversely, during periods of excess production, homeowners can send surplus power back to the grid. Grid-tied systems are an attractive option for those who want constant access to electricity without entirely cutting ties with their utility provider.
• Off-grid solar systems:  Off grid solar systems work independently from the utility grid. They solely rely on the power generated by solar panels, which is typically stored in batteries for continuous supply. Off grid systems are designed for those who desire complete energy independence and wish to disconnect from their utility providers. These systems need more sophisticated planning, management, and investment in energy storage solutions such as batteries to ensure a stable power supply.

Choosing between grid-tied and off-grid solar power systems depends on your specific needs, location, budget, and preference for energy independence. Both systems support the ultimate goal of harnessing clean, renewable energy while minimizing environmental impact.

The Basics of On-Grid Solar Energy

On-grid solar systems, also known as grid-tied solar power systems, are designed to work in tandem with the utility grid to provide a steady flow of electricity and tap into the benefits of net metering. This section will delve into the fundamentals of on-grid solar energy by explaining how these systems interact with the grid and the financial advantages.

How On-Grid Systems Work with the Utility Grid

On-grid solar power systems are connected to the grid and designed to generate electricity for homes and businesses. When a solar panel array produces more electricity than needed, the excess power is sent back to the grid.

This relationship between the solar panel system and the grid is made possible by  solar inverters , which convert the direct current (DC) generated by solar panels to alternating current (AC), enabling both household use and grid compatibility.

To break the process down simply:

• Solar panels absorb sunlight and produce direct current (DC) electricity.
• The solar inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC) suitable for household use.
• Excess electricity is sent back to the utility grid, fostering electricity savings.

Net Metering and Its Financial Benefits

Net metering is a crucial aspect of on-grid solar energy systems, as it allows homeowners to receive financial compensation from utility companies for the excess electricity sent back to the grid. In many states across the U.S., utility companies are required to credit solar system owners for their contribution, resulting in reduced electricity bills and improved return on investment for solar installations.

Some of the advantages of grid-tied systems include:

• Utility company compensation: When your solar power system sends excess electricity to the grid, you receive credits that can be applied to your electricity bill.
• Electricity savings: Credits received can significantly reduce your electricity expenses, especially during high-production months.
• Optimized investment returns: Consistent sell-back benefits can enhance the long-term financial viability of your solar power system.

Living Off the Grid: What Does It Really Mean?

Off grid living represents a conscious decision to achieve energy independence and fully rely on self-sufficient power systems, such as solar panels and batteries.

The core principle of this approach to electricity involves disconnecting from the traditional electrical grid and producing one’s own energy, typically through renewable sources. While this lifestyle choice requires upfront investments and ongoing maintenance, it can lead to numerous financial and environmental benefits.

Off grid solar energy systems are built to accumulate and store excess energy generated during the day, ensuring continuous electricity supply during non-productive periods like nighttime or overcast days. The process usually involves an interaction between solar panels, a charge controller, a battery bank, and the inverter that converts the stored electricity for domestic use. 

Adopting an off-grid lifestyle means taking complete control over one’s energy consumption and resilience in the face of grid-dependent challenges.

Some of the advantages of off-grid living include:

• No utility bills: By generating and storing your own electricity, you can eliminate your dependence on utility companies and enjoy freedom from monthly electricity bills.
• Greater control over energy consumption: Being responsible for your energy production and storage provides insight into your consumption habits and the opportunity to make informed decisions for optimizing your home’s energy usage.
• Uninterrupted power supply: Off grid systems ensure consistent electricity availability even during grid failures, making them ideal for remote locations or areas susceptible to natural disasters and power outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar power, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and supports a more sustainable way of life.

Despite its numerous benefits, choosing to take your energy off grid requires careful consideration of various factors, from the initial investment in solar panels and batteries to the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the energy system.

Additionally, integrating energy-efficient appliances and employing responsible consumption practices are essential aspects of successful off-grid living. Many off-gridders keep a backup generator or other alternate power sources available in case of problems with their primary system. 

Comparing the Costs: Off-Grid vs. On-Grid Solar Systems

Installing a solar power system can be a significant investment, and the costs can vary depending on whether you choose off-grid or on-grid solar. Let’s explore the differences in initial investment, long-term savings, and maintenance costs for both systems to help you decide on a cost-effective energy solution.

Initial Investment and Long-Term Savings

On-grid solar systems are typically less expensive to install, as they do not require battery storage or other additional equipment. While the  initial investment  for an on-grid setup may be lower, off-grid solutions can lead to significant  long-term solar savings  by eliminating the reliance on utility companies. This is especially true when you consider available tax credits and the ever-increasing costs of conventional energy sources.

• On-grid solar systems:  Lower upfront cost, potential savings by selling back power
• Off-grid solar systems:  Higher initial investment, long-term independence from rising utility costs

It is important to weigh the upfront costs against the potential long-term financial benefits when deciding between the two types of solar systems.

Maintenance and Operational Costs Over Time

Beyond their original investments, both off-grid and on-grid solar systems have ongoing costs related to operation and maintenance. While they typically require less attention, on-grid systems are still subject to utility fees. On the other hand, the operational costs of off-grid systems may be higher due to more frequent maintenance, particularly for the battery storage systems. Potential battery replacement fees should also be considered.

• On-grid solar systems:  Generally lower maintenance, steady utility fees
• Off-grid solar systems:  Possible higher maintenance costs, more self-sufficient power

Solar panel technology continues to improve, with current solar panel longevity often exceeding 25 years. Likewise, advancements in battery technology are rapidly extending battery efficiencies and lowering maintenance needs. When comparing costs, be sure to factor in durability as part of your long-term financial plan for your solar investment.

The Role of Batteries in Off-Grid Systems

Solar batteries play a crucial part in  energy storage solutions  for off-grid systems, facilitating the continuous supply of solar-generated electricity even during non-productive periods. As an essential component of off-grid systems, batteries provide reliable access to power and help users maximize energy independence.

Recent advances in  battery technology  have significantly improved the efficiency, lifespan, and affordability of solar batteries. In particular, lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries have emerged as game-changers in the field, offering substantial benefits for homeowners who opt for off-grid solar energy systems:

• Longer life spans: Lithium-ion and LFP batteries tend to have much longer life spans than traditional lead-acid options, resulting in a more sustainable storage solution that lasts for years.
• Improved efficiency: These cutting-edge batteries have a significantly higher efficiency at storing and discharging electrical energy, ensuring you make the most of your solar energy production.
• Cost-effectiveness: The constantly evolving battery market has led to greater affordability and more cost-effective options for solar energy storage, making off-grid systems increasingly attractive to homeowners.

Furthermore, the ability to expand battery storage capacity provides homeowners with the flexibility to tailor their off-grid solar systems to specific needs and preferences. This customizability empowers users to create personalized energy storage solutions that cater to their lifestyle and energy consumption habits, further enhancing the appeal of off-grid solar systems.

Advantages of Hybrid Solar Energy Systems

Hybrid solar energy systems offer an innovative solution to homeowners seeking both energy independence and grid reliability. These systems combine the benefits of on-grid solar and off-grid systems, seamlessly integrating battery storage and grid connection as a supplemental power source. This ensures a continuous and reliable electricity supply while optimizing energy savings through net metering benefits.

Combining On-Grid Reliability with Off Grid Independence

By integrating the advantages of on-grid systems, such as net metering, with the energy independence of off-grid setups, hybrid solar systems provide a perfect middle ground for homeowners seeking the best of both worlds. These systems store excess solar energy in batteries, ensuring backup power during outages and potential energy savings.

Hybrid solar systems provide continuous electricity supply by drawing from the grid when necessary, ensuring the advantages of both on-grid and off-grid solar setups, while somewhat increasing the initial investment.

The Best of Both Worlds: Backup Power and Energy Savings

One of the main benefits of hybrid solar systems is their ability to provide backup power during outages, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply for homeowners. This reduces reliance on fossil fuel backup generators and contributes to energy conservation efforts. Moreover, hybrid systems can still deliver the energy savings associated with on-grid solar systems through net metering benefits, allowing homeowners to offset their electricity consumption by feeding excess power back to the grid.

Hybrid system benefits:

• Continuous electricity supply in the event of grid outages
• Energy savings through net metering benefits
• Reduced reliance on conventional fossil fuel-based backup power sources
• Increased control over energy consumption and management

Energy Security: How Power Outages Affect Your Choice

Energy security is increasingly important in the modern world, as extreme weather events and power outages increase. Identifying the most suitable solar energy system is significantly influenced by the ability to provide constant electricity during periods of grid downtime. Here, we will discuss how the possibility of power outages impacts your decisions when choosing between on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid solar systems.

On-grid systems  are dependent on the utility grid for constant electricity supply. If the grid experiences a power outage, your solar power supply will be disrupted as well. Consequently, homes and businesses with grid-tied solar energy systems are vulnerable to blackouts during extreme weather conditions or grid outages. For locations prone to these situations, opting for an on-grid system without battery backup may pose a risk to your energy security.

Off-grid systems,  on the other hand, are not connected to the utility grid and rely on solar panels and battery storage for all energy needs. This setup allows for an uninterrupted power supply during grid outages, ensuring that your home or business maintains access to electricity when it’s needed the most. This is especially important for those in remote areas, where power can take longer to restore after outages. Off-grid solar systems enable users to maintain  energy security  and  off grid reliability  in the face of outages and other emergencies. 

Hybrid systems  integrate both grid-tied and off-grid functionalities and may provide the optimal solution for achieving the best of both worlds. These systems use solar battery storage, combined with the utility grid, to ensure electricity is continuously available during power outages. As a result, users can enjoy the  solar power resilience  and energy security offered by off-grid systems, while also benefiting from the convenience and financial advantages of grid-tied solar energy solutions.

Essentially, your choice of solar power system hinges on multiple factors, including:

• The frequency of power outages in your area
• Your preference for energy security and independence
• Initial investment and operational costs for each system type
• The desired level of environmental sustainability

By weighing these considerations carefully, you can make an informed decision about which solar energy system best meets your unique energy security needs and preferences.

Considering the comparison between on-grid and off-grid solar systems, it becomes evident that the appropriate choice depends on various personal factors, such as location, energy needs, financial capacity, and the desire for energy security. 

Both on-grid and off-grid systems provide valuable pathways to harness renewable energy sources, effectively reduce carbon footprints, and generate potential cost savings in the long run. 

Hybrid systems serve as an excellent middle ground, offering a combination of benefits from both on-grid and off-grid solutions.

With technological advancements constantly improving solar energy systems, more individuals and businesses can take advantage of the benefits they present. Government incentives and tax credits further enhance the attractiveness of such investments, making solar power an increasingly sensible and environmentally conscious choice for a wide array of consumers.

What is the difference between on-grid and off-grid solar power systems?

On-grid (grid-tied) systems connect to the public utility grid, providing homeowners with continuous access to electricity and the ability to send excess energy back to the grid. Off-grid systems, however, are independent of the utility grid, relying entirely on solar-generated power and battery storage for electricity supply.

How do on-grid systems work with net metering?

On-grid solar systems can send excess energy back to the grid through net metering, which results in utility companies providing homeowners with credit for the surplus electricity they generate. This can lead to substantial savings on energy bills and optimize investment returns on solar power installations.

What are the benefits of off-grid living?

Off-grid living offers complete energy independence, with no utility bills, greater control over energy consumption, and uninterrupted access to electricity during grid failures. It enables a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle by harnessing solar energy and relying on battery storage systems.

How do initial investments and long-term savings compare between on-grid and off-grid solar systems?

On-grid solar systems generally have a lower upfront cost due to the lack of battery storage, while off-grid systems require higher initial investments for batteries and additional equipment. However, off-grid systems can lead to substantial long-term savings by completely eliminating reliance on utility companies.

What role do batteries play in off-grid solar systems?

Batteries are essential in off-grid systems, as they store excess solar-generated electricity for use during non-productive periods like nighttime or cloudy days. Advances in battery technology, such as lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), have led to longer life spans, improved efficiency, and more cost-effective options.

What benefits do hybrid solar energy systems offer?

Hybrid solar energy systems combine the reliability of on-grid connectivity with the independence of off-grid solutions. They provide backup power during outages and allow for net metering through the utility grid. Essentially, hybrid systems offer continuous access to electricity while optimizing the advantages of both on-grid and off-grid solar setups, albeit at a somewhat higher initial investment.

How do power outages affect the choice between on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid systems?

Energy security is a key factor in choosing the right type of solar system. Off-grid and hybrid systems offer power resilience during grid failures, whereas grid-tied systems without battery backup can be vulnerable to blackouts. The decision ultimately depends on balancing the need for reliable energy supply against the investment and operational considerations of each system type.

• Introduction: When To Choose Off-Grid Solar

Off-Grid Solar System Components

• Off-Grid Solar System Costs

Off-Grid Solar System Design

Off-grid solar system installation, maintenance & care, off-grid solar system design & installation guide, intro: when to choose off-grid solar.

So, you’ve decided to start your journey to off-grid living -- congratulations! Installing an off-grid solar setup can be intimidating, so we’ve put together this complete guide to off-grid solar system design and installation to help guide your project.

Inside, you’ll find a complete overview of the process of going off the grid with solar, including detailed calculations to help you size an off-grid system that precisely fits your needs. We’ll also outline how to build an off-grid solar system that is safe and code-compliant.

Off-grid solar systems are not the same as grid-tie solar systems. With an off-grid system, you are entirely independent of the grid and 100% responsible for your power needs. You won’t be able to harness extra electricity from the utility company. Learn more about off-grid vs. grid-tie systems.

Here’s a quick overview of the parts you can expect to find in your off-grid solar system . It’s important to pick components specifically rated for off-grid use. For example, most grid-tie inverters are not configured to connect to a battery bank.

Solar Panels

Solar panels absorb the sun’s rays, converting sunlight into DC (direct current) power.

While you may find that some panels are marketed as “off-grid solar panels,” this is a bit of a misnomer. There used to be panels that were designed to match the lower voltages of specific types of charge controllers and battery banks, but the technology has improved enough that the design standard has become outdated. Nowadays when a panel is marketed as "off-grid" it often means that the wattage is lower than the current standard, and many of the panels marketed this way tend to be of inferior quality.

Now, MPPT charge controllers allow us to make use of standard, mass-produced solar panels in off-grid applications. Any traditional 60/120 or 72/144 cell solar panel will work just fine, and if you have space on your property to mount full-sized panels, that will be your most cost-effective option.

Both 60-cell and 120-cell solar panels are about 3.5 feet by 5.5 feet. The difference is that 120-cell panels utilize half-cut cells, which are slightly more efficient and resistant to failure.

72-cell and 144-cell solar panels are about 3.5 feet by 6.5 feet, with 144-cell panels using half-cut cells as well.

60/120-cell panels are easier to carry and offer more flexible design options, while 72/144-cell panels cost less to install. Compare 60/120 vs. 72/144-cell panels here.

Monocrystalline (mono) solar panels are cut from a single section of silicon. They are slightly more efficient than polycrystalline (poly) solar panels, which contain cells made of blended fragments of silicon.

Mono solar panels cost a bit more than poly panels, because their increased efficiency allows you to fit more solar in a smaller space. In terms of performance, mono and poly solar panels will produce power equally well, but an array of poly panels would take up more room on your property.

The centerpiece of off-grid solar systems. Batteries store the energy you produce. You can draw power from your battery bank to run your appliances at any time.

Off-grid solar systems use deep cycle batteries , which are designed to be discharged and recharged gradually. Typically solar batteries are sized to cover your energy usage for one night and recharge from solar during the day, completing one charge / discharge cycle over a 24 hour period.

Some common battery types used in off-grid solar applications:

Flooded Lead Acid Batteries

Flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries are sometimes referred to as "wet cell" batteries because the electrolyte is in liquid form and can be accessed by removing the battery caps.

Charging flooded batteries causes water in the electrolyte solution to evaporate, so they regularly need to be refilled with distilled water to keep them topped off. This need for routine maintenance means flooded batteries are only suitable for those who have the time (and the desire) to perform maintenance checks on their battery bank on a monthly basis.

FLA batteries are especially prone to failure if not properly maintained, and we find that most people can't (or won't) commit to the monthly maintenance schedule needed to properly care for FLA batteries. Their strict maintenance requirements means they are not suitable for vacation homes, nor would we recommend them for full-time off-grid residences, unless you really love the idea of getting hands-on with your system.

Sealed Lead Acid Batteries

Sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries get their name because the compartment containing the electrolyte is sealed, which prevents leaks and noxious fumes coming from the battery.

Unlike flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries, sealed batteries have minimal maintenance requirements and do not need to be installed in a ventilated battery enclosure. SLA batteries can also be mounted in any orientation, because the contents of the battery are sealed shut.

There are two sealed lead acid battery types: absorbent glass mat (AGM) and gel batteries.

• AGM batteries are less expensive and perform better than gel batteries in cold temperatures. They are also capable of higher charge and discharge rates. They are the more cost-effective sealed battery option, recommended in most off-grid solar applications.
• Gel batteries are an older technology that cost more than AGM batteries. They take longer to charge and are not as widely available as AGM. Gel batteries do perform better in high ambient temperatures, so they may make sense in hot climates, but AGM is usually the more cost-effective option.

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium Ion batteries tend to be about 3x the cost of SLA batteries, but they also last about 3x longer, so the higher initial cost balances out over the life of the system. (For a lifetime cost comparison chart, see the “Cost of Off-Grid Solar” section below.)

If you want a high performance battery that you don’t have to replace for a decade, lithium batteries are the most convenient option. They have faster discharge and recharge rates, weigh less and are maintenance-free. In addition, lithium batteries are modular, meaning you can start small and expand your battery bank as needed.

SAMPLE BATTERY BANK FOR 4KW SOLAR SYSTEM

Off-Grid Inverters

The inverter is the central hub of the system, responsible for routing power between its various components. For off-grid solar, you need an inverter that is purpose-built for off-grid use.

State of the art off-grid inverters have a variety of capabilities and "smart" functions. MPPT charge controllers are built in to many inverters. Some not only accept generator power inputs, but can start the generator if battery power dips too low. Inverters include the "brain" for monitoring systems so that you can monitor your system remotely. And if you are using lithium batteries, many inverters can communicate directly with the battery's built in BMS (Battery Management System) in order to maintain proper charge levels and to make battery bank information available for your monitoring.

Your off-grid inverter takes low voltage DC power from the battery bank and converts it into 120/240V AC, the standard format that powers household appliances.

State of the art off-grid inverters offer several smart features to manage your system. A few examples include remote monitoring, automatic generator start, and the capability to communicate directly with lithium battery banks to monitor and maintain proper charge levels.

The foundation that supports your solar array. We recommend the Ironridge XR metal rail system.

Racking is universal between grid-tie and off-grid systems. There’s no special equipment; it’s just a metal structure that supports the weight of the solar array.

Both roof and ground mount racking works well, and there are pros and cons to both options. Take a look at our article comparing ground mount vs. roof mount solar if you’d like help deciding where to mount your array.

Charge Controllers

A solar charge controller regulates the battery charging process. Charge controllers keep solar panels from overcharging your battery bank by regulating the voltage the panels generate.

48-volt batteries are common in off-grid systems; however, most solar panels deliver more voltage than is required to charge the batteries. Charge controllers convert the excess voltage into amps, keeping the charge voltage at an optimal level while reducing the time necessary to charge the batteries fully.

Undercharging and overcharging both reduce the expected lifespan of your battery bank, so it’s important to pick the right controller and properly program the charging profile of the batteries.

There are two main types of charge controller : PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker).

• PWM controllers are an older technology that we do not recommend for off-grid homes. They are less efficient and have limited options for compatible solar panels. PWM controllers are better suited for less intensive applications, like remote telecom setups.
• MPPT controllers are a more efficient and reliable technology that maximizes the current running into the battery bank. As the intensity of sunlight changes throughout the day, MPPT controllers automatically adjust the voltage to charge the battery bank as efficiently as possible. We exclusively use MPPT charge controllers in our solar kits to meet the demands of full-time off-grid living.

Power Center

A power center is a pre-wired unit that contains the “brains” of the system -- the inverter, charge controllers, monitoring system, overcurrent / surge protection, AC and DC inputs/outputs, and wiring to tie it all together.

Buying a pre-wired power center, or a state of the art off-grid inverter that has most of these features built-in, saves the intricate work of correctly mounting and wiring a number of components together.

How much does it cost to go off grid with solar?

First, the standard disclaimer: every off-grid solar project is different, and your costs will vary (™). To put together a custom off-grid solar package that suits your needs, reach out to us for a free PV proposal.

However, it can be useful early in the research process to look at some sample systems to help benchmark the costs of off-grid solar . Feel free to take a look at our off-grid solar kits in our shop for up-to-date pricing.

Please note that the kits in our shop do not include the cost of batteries , as the battery bank will need to be sized to match your energy consumption (we’ll explain how to do that in the Off Grid Solar System Design section).

Tax Incentives & Polices by State

You are eligible to claim the solar tax credit if:

• You owe taxes for the filing year that the system was installed
• The system is installed at your primary residence
• You are the owner of the system (leases / PPAs do not apply)

Backup Generator Costs

While solar can handle your day-to-day power needs, most off-grid systems are designed for a single day of autonomy (days that you can fully meet your energy needs with solar). You will inevitably encounter stretches of bad weather where your solar panels can’t produce enough power to cover your needs.

For that, off-grid systems must include a source of backup power. For most people, that means adding a backup gas generator to get through periods of low solar production.

Be sure to budget for a backup generator as part of the overall cost of your system.

off-grid systems must include a source of backup power. For most people, that means adding a backup gas generator to get through periods of low solar production.

Minimizing off-grid system costs.

Before you size your off-grid solar system, consider whether you can take measures to reduce your energy usage. Lower consumption means you can get away with a smaller battery bank and inverter, reducing system costs.

Two simple things to consider:

Consider outfitting your off-grid home with propane appliances to limit your electricity usage. We recommend looking for a propane stove, clothes dryer, wall heater and on-demand water heater; in our experience these are more cost-effective than running them off electricity.

Be sure that you have reliable access to a propane vendor near you. Some places have propane delivery services, which are convenient.

Usage Off-grid systems are designed with peak consumption in mind -- how many electrical loads are run simultaneously. By staggering your usage of major appliances, you can reduce the peak demand on your system.

For example, if you’re willing to run your dishwasher and laundry at different times, that will reduce peak demand and keep system costs in check.

Off-grid living means you are fully responsible for your own power production; if your energy storage doesn’t live up to your needs, there’s no grid power to fall back on. For that reason, it’s critical to take all the factors that impact solar production into account during the system sizing process.

Factors that Impact Off-Grid System Design

Before we get into the system sizing process, consider the following:

Some parts of the country get more exposure to the sun than others. You’ll need to know how many sun hours you get in your location -- a measure of the duration and intensity sunlight in your region.

Fortunately there’s no guesswork involved, thanks to the solar insolation maps provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Look for the DNI (Direct Normal Irradiance) maps and take a note of the average sun hours in your location. Most places in the US fall in the range of 4-5 sun hours per day.

You may notice from the monthly maps that sun hour availability dips dramatically in the winter. Your solar production will fall below your needs in the winter months, and it will be up to your generator to pick up the slack.

While you could theoretically oversize your solar array so that it works in those bleak winter months, it would be insanely expensive (think triple the system costs). It’s much more cost-effective to size your solar array to be effective most of the year, but let the generator take over in the winter.

Solar panels work best in full sunlight, so you want to keep them free from obstructions that would cast shade on the panels. Check your build site for trees, chimneys, or anything else that could block sunlight from hitting your panels.

Keep in mind that shadows get longer in the winter as the sun takes a lower arc across the sky. Make sure that your build site will be free from shade all year-round.

If partial shade is unavoidable, the impact can be mitigated with micro-inverters or power optimizers. However, they won’t match the output of an array built with full exposure to sunlight.

Solar panels produce the most power when they face directly toward the sun, which takes a path in the sky that follows the Equator. So if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you want to face your panels due South. In the Southern Hemisphere, face them North.

As you select a build site, make sure you can face your panels in the right direction. If you don’t have a suitable space on your rooftop, consider a ground mount away from obstructions to get the most out of your panels.

Solar batteries come in a variety of voltages, including 6V, 12V, 24V and 48V.

We recommend a 48V DC battery bank simply because it’s the most efficient and cost-effective option available. At lower voltages, you will need to buy more electronics and invest in more cabling to handle the higher amperage from the system (the amperage is doubled every time the voltage is cut in half).

In an off-grid residence, 48V is the better option. For best results, it is most common to use 6V batteries and wire them in series for a total of 48 volts.

Determine Your Energy Needs

There are three key factors to consider when sizing an off-grid system:

• Peak power demand
• Daily kWh usage
• Nightly kWh usage

(“KWh” stands for kilowatt-hour, the standard measure of how much electricity your appliances consume while in use. You can find this rating on the appliance’s EnergyStar sheet.)

To start, make a list of each appliance’s wattage consumption. Then write down how many hours you plan to use each appliance on a daily basis. This information is necessary to move forward with the sizing process.

off-grid load calculator

We’ve got a handy off-grid load calculator to help you keep track of your appliance’s wattage consumption.

Important! 1,000 watts = 1 kilowatt. Be sure to convert watts to kilowatts before you make your kWh calculations, or your numbers will be off!

What is Your Peak Power Demand?

What are the electrical loads that you will need to run? Will they all run at the same time, or can you rotate the loads?

Your peak power demand is your total wattage usage when you are running all the electrical loads you need simultaneously. By staggering usage of major appliances at different times, you can reduce your peak power demand and bring system costs down.

Figure out how many appliances you expect to run at the same time, and add up their wattage consumption. The total is your peak power demand. Make note of this number, as we’ll be using it to figure out your inverter size.

What is your daily kWh usage?

Using the load evaluation worksheet you filled out, multiply the appliance wattage by the number of hours it will be in use each day. As an example, if you run a 1,500-watt dishwasher for 30 minutes each day:

1,500 watts x 0.5 hours = 750 watt-hours (Wh)

Remember to divide by 1000 to convert from watts to kilowatts.

750 Wh / 1000 = 0.75 kWh daily usage

Repeat this step for each appliance you will use, and tally them all up to get your daily kWh usage. Write that number in your notes.

What is your nightly kWh usage?

In the daytime, the power you use comes straight from your solar panels. When the sun goes down and panels are no longer generating power, the battery bank takes over and your appliances will run off of stored energy.

Using the same method as above, add up the appliances you’ll use at night and tally them here. Your fridge, TV, and smartphone charger are common appliances that run in the evening and overnight. Your inverter also has a self-consumption rating (the amount of power it takes to run the inverter) which should be accounted for.

Well-designed off-grid homes can use as little as 3-4 kWh per night, but yours may be higher if you want to run power-intensive appliances in the evening, like an HVAC system.

Tally up your nightly kWh usage and write the number down in your notes.

Off-Grid Battery Bank Sizing

With the above figures in hand, we’re finally ready to begin our system sizing calculations. We’ll start with the battery bank, which needs to be sized to accommodate both peak and continuous demand.

For the purpose of demonstration, we’ll walk through the math for a sample off-grid system with the following energy needs:

Some energy is lost through the act of charging and discharging the battery bank. We need to leave a little extra room in the battery bank to account for the inherent inefficiencies in the charge cycle.

For lithium batteries, multiply by 1.05 to account for a 5% loss during the charge cycle. In our example, we use sealed lead-acid batteries which are closer to 20% inefficient, so we’ll multiply by 1.20 to compensate:

20 kWh/day x 1.2 = 24 kWh/day

For off-grid residential systems, we recommend sizing your system to complete one charge cycle per day to keep system costs down.

If you need more days of autonomy, take your result from the previous step and multiply by the number of days you’d like the system to run before you need to recharge your battery bank.

This is not cost-effective for off-grid homes, so we’ll skip the step in our example. However, it would make more sense in remote industrial applications -- for example, an array powering remote telecom equipment. In these cases you may want several days or weeks of autonomy if the system is not being monitored, in which case you can factor it in here.

24 kWh/day x 1 day of autonomy = 24 kWh

So far, we have measured how much energy storage capacity we need to supply one day of power to the property. However, if we build a battery bank to match that capacity, we’d be completely exhausting our batteries each day, which isn’t healthy for them (it shortens their lifespan significantly and voids the warranty).

To properly care for the battery bank, we need to account for depth of discharge (DoD) -- the amount of battery capacity which is used before recharging. For sealed lead-acid batteries, 30% is recommended. Anything beyond the 50% mark will significantly overwork the batteries and shorten their lifespan.

Lithium batteries are more lenient; they can safely reach 80% DoD.

To keep things simple, we will use a multiplier of 3 for this calculation. That triples our energy storage capacity, so that when we use our 4 kWh per night, we discharge one-third or 33.3% of the battery bank capacity.

(A multiplier of 2 accounts for a 50% DoD. Anywhere between 2-3 is fine, with the caveat that deeper DoD leads to shorter battery lifespan.)

Note: use your nightly kWh figure here, not the daily kWh we have used in previous steps. We’re calculating how much energy needs to be stored in the battery bank to meet nightly kWh demands.

4 nightly kWh x 3 (DoD compensation) = 12 kWh storage in battery bank

We have arrived at our target battery bank capacity for our example: 12 kWh. Now it’s time to figure out how many batteries we need.

SLA Battery

Lithium battery.

Things can get a bit confusing here, as sealed battery manufacturers introduce a different unit of measurement for battery capacity: the amp hour. This measures the battery current over time. Amp hours are calculated as follows:

Watt-hours ÷ Battery Bank Volts = Amp-hours (Ah)

We’ve determined that we need 12 kWh, or 12,000 watt-hours of storage in the previous step, so we can divide by the battery bank voltage to get our target amp-hour capacity.

For this system, we’re aiming for a 48V battery bank (standard in off-grid residential applications), which is typically accomplished with eight 6V batteries wired in series:

12,000 Wh ÷ 48V = 250 Ah minimum battery bank capacity

We’re not done yet! This is the minimum battery capacity needed to cover our nightly kWh usage, but we still need to check compatibility with our chosen inverter.

The inverter will be rated for a minimum battery bank size. If you don’t meet that minimum requirement, the inverter will overload the battery bank with power from solar, and you will have too much amperage coming into the batteries. This is a surefire way to fry your battery bank in a hurry.

For reference, all of our off-grid kits above 2kW demand at least 415Ah of capacity from the battery bank. So the 250Ah figure we calculated above falls short of the inverter requirements; you’ll need a 415Ah battery bank to be compatible with the inverter.

Note that a nightly demand of 7 kWh / night at 30% DoD crosses this minimum threshold for compatibility with the inverter:

7 kWh x 3 = 21kWh battery bank

21,000 Wh / 48V = 437.5 Ah

In a scenario like this, it is ok to use a 415 Ah battery and increase the depth of discharge, so long as you don’t cross the 50% threshold.

Once you cross that 415 Ah @ 50% DoD threshold, that is when you would need to add a second string of batteries and boost the system up to 830 Ah of storage capacity.

One final note here: the amp-hour rating of a battery changes based on the discharge rate. For the purposes of off-grid solar, we want the amp-hour rating at a C20 discharge rate.

C20 just means that the batteries will discharge over a 20-hour period, which is perfect for solar. With a 20-hour discharge and 4-hour recharge, we complete one full charge cycle in a 24-hour period. Be sure that you are looking at the C20 capacity rating as you select your batteries.

Lithium batteries are rated in kilowatt-hours, the same measurement we used to determine nightly energy usage. Since our sample system is designed around 4 kWh per night, and we can go to 80% DoD with lithium batteries, our battery bank math would be:

4 kWh x 1.25 (DoD compensation) = 5 kWh storage in lithium battery bank

Lithium batteries follow the same rules with regards to inverter compatibility and minimum battery bank size. For example, a system with a Sol-Ark inverter and Fortress battery bank requires 3 batteries with 5.4 kWh capacity apiece, for a total storage capacity of 16.2 kWh. (Again, this may sound like overkill, but it’s necessary to assure the battery can safely handle the charging amperage from the inverter).

Solar Panel Array Sizing

Fortunately, the process for sizing your solar panel array is a lot simpler. Start with your daily kWh usage and divide by sun hours in your location.

Note: for these calculations, use the initial figure for daily kWh usage, not the number from the battery bank calculations. In our example, that’s 20 kWh/day.

20 kWh/day ÷ 4 sun hours = 5 kW solar array

From there, we need to add a bit of overhead to account for inefficiencies and degradation rate of the panels.

The output of solar panels drops slightly each year, which is outlined by their performance warranty. If your solar panel’s performance warranty guarantees 80% performance after 25 years, then their degradation rate is calculated as 20%/25 years, or 0.8% production loss each year. By the end of its lifecycle, a 400W rated panel would only output 320 watts.

In addition, solar panels are tested in ideal conditions -- a temperature controlled lab with nothing obstructing the panels. In the real world, solar panels often fall short of these lab-tested conditions, meaning they produce a bit less power than their wattage rating.

Because of these factors, we budget extra solar capacity so that we reach our target production figures after accounting for the inefficiencies of the system.

20% is a good amount of headroom to account for inefficiencies. Multiply your solar array size by 1.2 to account for this:

5 kW x 1.2 = 6 kW solar array

Pretty simple, right? We need 6kW or 6,000 watts of solar to meet our daily needs. From there you can figure out how many solar panels you’ll need based on the wattage of the panel. For example, 16 of these 400W Phono Solar panels would make a 6,400 watt array, which is enough solar for our purposes.

It’s smart to invest in 1-2 extra solar panels for your array, just to shield against inherent inefficiencies and give a bit of cushion in case your energy needs increase in the future. Solar panels are the least expensive part of the system, and an extra panel or two can keep you covered on days of heavy usage.

For these reasons, our final recommendation for this example system would be one of the following configurations:

6.4 kW array: 16 Phono Solar 400W solar panels

6.2 kW array: 20 Phono Solar 310W solar panels

Off-Grid Inverter Sizing

With the battery bank and solar array sizing squared away, we have enough information to pick a compatible inverter.

This is where your peak power demand comes in. Inverters are rated for the amount of continuous power they can process. If you have an 8 kW inverter, then you can run appliances that consume up to 8,000 watts of power at the same time.

In our example system, we determined that our peak power demand was 6 kW, so we would look for an off-grid inverter that is at least that large. It’s ok if the inverter nameplate rating is a little larger than your peak demand, as that gives extra headroom for heavy usage days.

Once the system has been designed and your solar kit has been purchased, you’ll need to figure out how to install it. You have two options: hire a local installer or install the system yourself.

In our experience, people who live off the grid love to take the hands-on approach and opt for a DIY installation. For those folks, we want to give a quick overview of the installation process so you know what to expect.

We won’t be able to go into specific detail about wiring and system layout, because every off-grid system is configured differently, and the installation instructions change based on the components in your system. However, we can provide a broad step-by-step outline to give you a sense of what to expect during a DIY install.

If you purchase your off-grid solar kit from GoGreenSolar, we provide a detailed custom planset and full installation instructions for your project. Take a look at the sample off-grid installation guide below to get a sense of what resources will be available to you during the installation.

To get started, here’s an overview of what’s involved in an off-grid solar installation:

1. Battery Bank

The battery bank should be installed in a well-ventilated and temperature controlled enclosure, like a garage or a shed. Very hot temperatures shorten battery life, while cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and make charging more sluggish.

75°F is a good target temperature, but batteries can work effectively in a pretty wide range of temperatures. The most important thing is to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold, so it’s best to build an enclosure to keep them sheltered from the elements.

Note: Lithium batteries will have a specific temperature range that has to be adhered to, and they are generally not as tolerant to colder (sub-freezing) temperatures.

• Aim for 75°F ambient room temperature.
• Leave at least 1” of space between each battery to allow them to properly cool.
• Make sure the room is well-ventilated, as there may be some offgassing as a natural part of operation.
• Keep a notebook nearby. You’ll want to test your batteries regularly to keep track of the health of your battery bank.

Once the battery bank enclosure is prepared, you can wire up your battery bank. The wiring schematics will be provided with your owner’s manual and it is just a matter of following the diagrams.

Off-grid battery banks almost always contain several smaller batteries wired in series. For example, it’s common to wire eight 6V batteries in series for a total battery bank voltage of 48V. There will be diagrams clearly showing each connection point, so pay close attention to the labels and you’re good to go.

A few general battery bank wiring tips:

• Keep the battery bank as close as possible to the inverter. Longer wiring runs are susceptible to voltage drop (a slight loss of efficiency as current travels through the wire).
• Cables should be the same length and thickness. Mismatched cables lead to imbalanced charging.
• Use clips or zipties every 1-2 feet to keep the wiring organized.
• Keep wires clear from the ventilation system so they don’t get damaged.
• Double-check that all connections are well torqued. Loose connections can melt terminals/breakers and present a fire hazard.

Next, it’s time to install racking that will hold your solar panels in place.

Ground Mount

With roof mounts, your rafters provide a foundational structure to support the weight of the solar array.

The first step is to locate and mark the layout of your rafters. The easiest way to do this is to look for exposed rafter tails underneath the edge of your roof.

If your rafters aren’t exposed, you can locate them by knocking on the surface of the roof with a rubber mallet and listening to the sound it makes. A hollow sound means there is no rafter underneath. When you locate a rafter, you will hear the sound change to a dull, heavy thud.

You can also buy a stud finder, or locate the rafters inside your attic and drill pilot holes that go through to the roof. The flashings for the racking system will cover up the holes you drill.

Once you have located your rafters, mark them with a chalk line (available for about 5 bucks at your local hardware store). These lines will mark the layout for your racking rails.

With the layout marked, the next step is to install flashings by drilling them into the rafters at the marked locations. The flashings should be spaced so that there are two rails supporting each row of panels (one near the top and one near the bottom). Your install guide will have the spacing measurements depending on the size of your solar panels.

With flashings installed, it’s fairly simple to bolt down the racking rails to the flashings. You may need to cut the rails with a heavy duty table saw so that they don’t hang past the edge of the array.

Lastly, the array will need to be grounded. The ground wire will typically start on the end of a rail and go into a junction box, where it is routed through conduit back to the power center.

All wiring should be lifted off the surface of the roof to comply with electrical safety codes. Use wire clips or zipties to pull wires tight enough that they won’t sag and touch the roof.

Ground mounts require the construction of a dedicated metal foundation to support the weight of the array. There are extra costs and more labor involved with installing ground mounts, as you will need to dig holes 4-6 feet deep and fill them with concrete to create a sturdy base for your system.

You will need to rent heavy-duty digging equipment to accomplish this. The digger will also be used to create a wiring trench, as you will need to bury your wires running from the array to the inverter underground.

The ground mount process looks something like this:

• Dig foundational holes.
• Set the support beams in the holes and fill concrete around them.
• Allow time for concrete to set.
• While you wait, dig the wiring trench to your inverter location.
• Once concrete sets, install racking rails on the support beams.

Beyond the need to build concrete footings and a structure to support the array, the rest of the ground mount install process mirrors the roof mount instructions above: affix the racking rails to the foundational structure, secure panels to the rail connectors, and run a grounding wire from the frame of the array to the ground.

3. Solar Panel Array

Once the racking has been built, installing solar panels is fairly straightforward by comparison. There are mounting holes on the back of the panels, which line up to bearing points on your racking. If your racking is properly spaced according to your planset, it is simply a matter of aligning the panel’s mounting holes close to the rail bearing point and bolting them down.

If you are installing panels on your roof, be sure to hook up the connecting wires before bolting the panel to the racking rail, as the connection point on the back of the panel will be inaccessible once it is installed in place.

4. Power Center

Your power center is the “brains” of your system. It contains the inverter, charge controllers, surge protectors, monitoring system, and AC/DC inputs.

The power center is pre-wired so that you don’t have to worry about connecting the smaller components of the system together. It’s a bit like going under the hood of your car: while it’s nice to know what’s in there, you won’t need to connect all the individual components to get a working off-grid system. The power center is already assembled for you, which saves a lot of headaches during installation.

The power center should be mounted close to the battery bank. A longer wiring run between the inverter and the battery bank leads to efficiency losses as the current travels through the wire. Mount the power center in an easily accessible location as close to the battery bank as possible. (This will be accounted for in the design process, so the mounting location will be diagrammed out in your planset.)

Once it’s mounted on the wall, you are ready to wire everything together and hook it into the inputs on the power center.

5. System Wiring

Once the racking, battery bank, solar panel array and power center have been installed, it’s finally time to wire everything together.

It’s a bit challenging to give generic wiring advice here, as every off-grid system will have different demands based on the unique combination of components involved. Your planset will contain a detailed wiring diagram that shows wire gauge, length, and connection points for every single wire and cable in your system.

Using the wrong size wire will throw off your battery charging calculations, so pay close attention to the wiring specifications in your planset.

6. Programming and Commissioning

With your system components fully installed and wired together, the last step is to program the battery charging profile. This outlines the system’s voltage set points to ensure your system follows a healthy charge and discharge cycle.

These values will be outlined in your planset, and you’ll be able to punch them in either through a smartphone app, or on the digital display of the power center itself.

Programming includes setting the following values:

Your off-grid solar system will require occasional maintenance and care to keep things running smoothly. Here’s what we recommend:

Cleaning your solar panels

Dust and debris can settle on the face of your solar panels, which will impact the output of the system if your panels get too dirty. It’s a good idea to wipe down the face of the panels once a year or so to keep them clean. Use a soft-bristle brush or cloth so that you don’t scratch the glass face of the panels. Window washing equipment works great for this.

In snowy climates, you’ll likely need to commit to more frequent cleanup, as snow buildup can obstruct the panels. Brush off snow as often as necessary to keep the face of the panels clear.

Battery maintenance

Though sealed batteries are often described as “maintenance free,” that’s not quite true. While you don’t need to constantly refill them with water to keep them operational (as is the case with flooded batteries), they still require a monthly maintenance check to make sure everything is in order.

Once a month, complete the following tasks to take care of your sealed battery bank:

Use a multimeter to measure the battery bank state of charge. Note the voltage readings down in a battery maintenance log. Voltage readings that drift away from their target set points can indicate when a battery is failing to hold a charge.

• Check for loose connection points and re-tighten wires if necessary.
• Wipe any dust and grime off the batteries to keep the connection points and case of the batteries clean.

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Solar system types compared: Grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid

Written by Zeeshan Hyder , Edited by Catherine Lane

There are three types of solar panel systems: grid-tied (on-grid), off-grid, and hybrid solar systems.

Each type of system has a unique setup that affects what equipment is used, the complexity of installation, and, most crucially, your potential costs and savings.

What would be the best in your situation? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of different solar system types.

Grid-tied solar systems

Grid-tied systems are solar panel installations that are connected to the utility power grid . With a grid-connected system, a home can use the solar energy produced by its solar panels and electricity that comes from the utility grid. 

If the solar panels generate more electricity than a home needs, the excess is sent to the grid. In some places, a utility will purchase the solar energy sent to the grid in the form of a bill credit to offset future electricity costs thanks to a billing structure called net metering . 

Grid-tied solar panel systems are so popular because they provide the best value for how much they cost, especially in areas with full-retail net metering. Their cost is low because they require less equipment than other solar system types. However, this also means grid-tied systems can’t keep your lights on when the power is out.

Cheapest home solar system

Less equipment

No backup power

Off-grid solar systems

An off-grid solar system is a solar panel system that has no connection to the utility grid at all. To keep a house running off-grid, you need solar panels, a significant amount of battery storage, and usually another backup power source, like a gas-powered generator.

Sometimes called standalone systems, they’re common among homeowners who don’t have access to the grid, like in rural areas or remote cabins.

Believe it or not, there are plenty of places throughout the country that the utility grid doesn’t service. Off-grid systems give these remote areas access to electricity. Being off-grid also makes you more self-reliant; you’re not beholden to a utility company, and the power is in your hands. 

But, off-grid systems are very expensive. You need a lot of battery storage to power an entire home without help from the grid, and the cost adds up. Going off-grid also requires certain lifestyle changes. You have to be very energy-conscious when you don’t have a grid with unlimited supply. Off-grid homeowners need to monitor their consumption and solar production to ensure they have the electricity needed. 

Provides electricity where there is no grid access

Self-reliant

Very expensive

Requires lifestyle changes

Hybrid solar systems

Hybrid solar systems combine the best of grid-tied and off-grid solar systems; the solar panels are attached to batteries and the utility grid. You’ll commonly see hybrid solar systems referred to as “solar-plus-storage” systems. 

Solar-plus-storage systems are popular in areas that experience frequent grid failures or in places that don’t have full-retail net metering. Without a battery, solar panels can't run your home when the power goes out . Batteries also allow you to rely less on the grid by using stored energy when your solar panels aren’t producing electricity. This also maximizes the amount of clean energy your home uses! 

Plus, batteries can even save a bit more money if you don't have access full retail net metering. However, the high upfront cost of batteries means they often don't pencil out financially.

Here are some of the pros and cons of installing a hybrid solar-plus-storage system

Provide backup power

Increase energy independence

Can potentially save more money on electricity bills

Not always the right financial choice

How to pick the best solar system for you

A simple grid-tied system will usually be the best financial choice. Grid-tied systems generally provide the best return on investment because of their low upfront cost and simple system design. 

However, there are some cases where a hybrid system may make the most sense for you, especially if you experience regular power outages. If you really value energy independence and maximizing the amount of renewable energy your home uses, then a solar plus storage system could be just what you’re looking for. 

Off-grid systems are probably the least practical for everyday homeowners. But they are excellent for remote areas and may be the right choice for your mountain cabin.

The best way to figure out the right solar system for you is by contacting solar companies near you . Local solar installers will have the best understanding of the right solar system to install in your area and how you can get the most out of your solar panels. 

Zeeshan is a solar journalist who has long been passionate about climate issues and developed a deep interest in solar power after witnessing its successful adoption in Australia. He has previously worked as a journalist for a major news organization, covering energy, climate, and environmental stories, among other topics. He also served as an organizer for the Pakistan Youth Climate Network, an advocacy group aimed at raising climate awareness...

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Off-grid solar systems, often referred to as standalone or independent solar systems, are innovative and sustainable energy solutions designed to generate electricity without relying on the traditional power grid. – powerpoint ppt presentation.

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Power Generation for Generations

Types of solar systems (On-grid, Off-grid and Hybrid) and their use cases

In the last few years, the world has witnessed a remarkable transition to clean energy and solar is shifting it into top gear. Solar energy production embarked its journey in India with a humble 39 megawatts capacity in 2009, which increased to 39000 megawatts in 2020.

In the feat to achieve grid parity – homeowners, decision-makers, architects, industrialists and businesses are making a foray into the world of sustainable energy.  Grid parity is a stage where alternative energy can generate electricity at a Levelized cost of electricity ( LCOE ). It means the point when electricity from solar cost can break even or cost you less than electricity from the local grid.

It is no surprise that the sun is an inexhaustible source of energy. But when it comes to its energy output there are numerous variables at play – temperature, the orientation of panels, weather, the position of the sun and many more.  Therefore, to accommodate the day-to-day energy demands and to supply ample power to the load, it is integral to utilize a compatible backup source.

The graph of solar production is not linear, it sees its dips and peaks depending on factors such as heat and cloud. Given the aforesaid characteristics of solar power output, it is essential that a supplementary source of power (either the grid, the battery or some other source).

When you are selecting a solar system, there are several decisions to be taken as an investor. You would like to make a smart decision and would like to choose a system that lasts you longer.

This is why collaborating with reputable EPC players like Novergy is imperative to ensure maximum solar harvest. It also eliminates the time-consuming assembly and installation process with its ready-to-use system. It also aids you in choosing the right solar system for your property.

A solar system is made of the following components; 

• Solar panels
• DC protection system
• AC protection panel

Factors that determine the selection of solar systems are;

• The accessibility to electricity
• Frequency in power outages
• Number of equipment required for energy production
• The cost of residential/commercial electricity

Following are three types of solar systems available in the market for investors to opt for;

Table of Contents

ON-GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS

Here, the systems are tied to the local utility grids and they act as a complementary source of electricity. Further, Investors can supplement the low energy yield with the grid or transfer the surplus energy produced by the solar system to the grid via net metering to get compensated for the same . 

However, in case of a power shutdown, your electricity supply will be affected if it is not tied to a battery backup system. Even if your solar system can accommodate your monthly electricity usage, you will be charged the basic service fee and demand charges for grid connection. When you have a commercial connection, you are often levied to pay an enhanced rate of electricity during a peak period.

Components employed in on-grid systems – Panels, Meters, Grid-tied inverters and the local grid

Use Cases – Suitable for residential, commercial, industrial properties with robust grid availability

OFF-GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS

Widely known as standalone systems, they are systems that help you in building a self-reliant powerhouse on your premises. Here, the MPPT(Maximum Power Point Tracker) helps the PV array to charge the battery bank, then transfer it to the inverter. Hereafter, the inverter sends the current to the AC load to support the energy demands at night and during the outcast as well.

These systems are independent of the local grid and offer higher ROI while ensuring complete peace of mind.

Components employed in off-grid systems – Solar Panel array, batteries and inverters

Use Cases –  They are viable for agricultural lands, industrial properties, rural and remote areas and construction sites.

Hybrid solar systems

Hybrid systems are solar systems that are dependent on the grid and can also accumulate extra electricity in a storage unit. Here, the extra energy produced by the solar system after the energy consumption by appliances is transferred to the battery bank. Once they are completely charged, they can export the extra energy to the grid.

Use Cases –  They are best suited for the agricultural sector, residential applications, micro-grids, rural areas and offices.

Way Forward with Novergy

With a track record of faster, seamless and reliable installations, Novergy provides an end-to-end solution to meet all your residential and commercial energy needs. We provide smart combinations of solar kits with our pre-engineered, designed and arranged components to fast-forward the installation process and to give you a strategic advantage.

The solar kit comprises our high-efficiency solar modules panels offering numerous benefits such as an increased collection solar energy yield, a 25-year linear guarantee, an IP67 junction, ARC coating backed by advanced notable technologies.  Our IGPB, IPCL, IPCT and IPCV series are top-grade inverters to fully support the energy conversion in all kinds of systems.

To know more about us and our products in detail please visit Novergy or write to us at [email protected] today!

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Off-grid solar: Costs, process, and best products in 2024

Going “off the grid” is more than a popular turn of phrase––it's cost, and often not worth it.

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As subject matter experts, we provide only objective information. We design every article to provide you with deeply-researched, factual, useful information so that you can make informed home electrification and financial decisions. We have:

Sourced the majority of our data from hundreds of thousands of quotes through our own marketplace.

Incorporated third-party data and information from primary sources, government agencies, educational institutions, peer-reviewed research, or well-researched nonprofit organizations.

Built our own database and rating system for solar equipment, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries.

We won't charge you anything to get quotes through our marketplace. Instead, installers and other service providers pay us a small fee to participate after we vet them for reliability and suitability. To learn more, read about how we make money and our Editorial Guidelines .

In the hyper-plugged-in world we live in today, the notion of going off the grid can be enticing. But beyond wanting to escape for a while, going off the grid has a specific technical meaning: To go off the grid is to have no relationship with your utility company and independently produce 100% of your electricity.

Going solar doesn't mean you’re off the grid. In fact, the vast majority of home solar panel systems are grid-tied because it’s almost always the more practical and beneficial option. Not only does maintaining a grid connection ensure that the lights will stay on at night and on cloudy days, but it also allows you to participate in programs like net metering that can drastically increase the value of your solar investment. 

Going off-grid really only makes sense for homes with low electricity consumption or those in remote locations. If you fit this description and are eager to establish true energy independence, let’s break down the different types of equipment you’ll need and how much you can expect to pay for it.

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Key takeaways

Going off-grid means you no longer receive electricity from your utility company.

Residential solar panel systems are almost always more cost-effective and reliable when connected to the grid. 

Off-grid living works best for people with low electricity consumption or homes in remote locations with limited access to an electricity grid.

Renogy, WindyNation, and ECO-WORTHY all produce high-quality off-grid solar panel kits for generating your own off-grid power.

Installing an off-grid solar plus storage system can cost up to $150,000 or more.

What does it mean to go "off-grid"?

The term "off the grid" refers to living autonomously without any connection to a utility for power. If you go off-grid, you'll need to meet all your household needs with electricity produced onsite. For this reason, off-grid living works best for small homes in rural locations where reliable grid access is lacking.

Going solar doesn’t mean you're off the grid

Going solar does grant you a level of energy independence, but it doesn't mean you’re off the grid. Since solar panels can’t produce electricity without sunshine, most residential solar power systems in the United States remain grid-connected so that they can draw power at night or on cloudy days. 

It’s possible to go off-grid with your solar panel system, but you’d have to install a larger system with multiple solar batteries to store energy—which is expensive. Generally, you'll need the following system components for an off-grid solar setup:

Solar panels 

Solar inverters

Wiring/cables

Mounting equipment 

PWM or MPPT charge controller

Energy storage (typically a solar battery or a backup generator)

Safety equipment (safety disconnects, grounding equipment, surge protection)

Grid-tied solar panel systems are almost always the way to go

There’s a reason why the overwhelming majority of residential solar panel systems maintain a connection to the utility grid. Solar panels can’t produce electricity on demand, and connecting to the grid allows you to keep the lights on at night and on cloudy days. Energy storage systems can also help you achieve this, but even most solar-plus-storage systems are more reliable and cost-effective when connected to the grid. Here’s why:

Going off-grid requires energy storage (a lot of it)

An off-grid solar system can be a solid way to power a shed or a portion of your home, but it rarely makes practical and financial sense for a whole home, even with energy storage. On average, you’ll need around 12 solar batteries to go off the grid. 

Additionally, you shouldn’t install just any solar battery for off-grid use. You’ll want a specific type of battery that can "island" or form its own grid to recharge the battery daily without a grid connection.

Equipment options are limited

Many of the best solar panels for sale aren't available for retail purchase. To buy them, you’d need to hire a professional solar installer with access to a distributor. Otherwise, you’re limited to off-grid solar kits, typically of lower quality. 

If your priority is to build a high-power output solar system for your house, your best bet is to work with a qualified solar installer like the ones on the EnergySage Marketplace .

Installing a solar energy system is complicated

Installing solar is a complicated undertaking. Solar panel installations require skilled work that can’t be replicated by online research or DIY guides. Unless you have the necessary experience, a DIY off-grid installation poses a higher risk for system errors and your safety.

You can’t participate in net metering if you’re off-grid

You’ll probably want to keep your panels connected to the grid if you live in an area with true net metering . 

Under net metering, the grid essentially acts as a battery. On sunny days, when you produce more power than you need at home, your system will send that excess electricity to the grid. In exchange, you’ll receive credits on your electric bill. You can apply those credits to your bill when your panels don’t produce enough power and you need to pull electricity from the grid, making it so you owe little to nothing.

Incentives like net metering can speed up your payback period and increase the value of your solar investment. Without a grid connection, you won’t be able to take advantage of these cost-cutting programs.

Why go off-grid?

You live in a remote area without grid access.

Some homes in remote areas function well off-grid with smaller, less expensive solar and storage systems. Often designed specifically for off-grid living, these homes may require little energy for heating and cooling and limit the extent of electrical systems in the house. Still, you may have to manage your lifestyle to accommodate periods throughout the year without electricity.

You want autonomy from your utility company

You may not always agree with how utilities and regulators operate and desire to separate yourself from their service. Whether you want to support free market principles, reject a fossil-fueled grid, or avoid additional fees for connecting your solar installation to the grid, establishing autonomy can be a way to take back your power (literally). 

Your utility’s electricity supply isn’t always reliable 

The desire to go off-grid may be less about cutting the cord with your utility and more driven by improving resiliency if steady electricity is not something you can expect with your utility. 

Installing one or two solar batteries with islanding capabilities , or the ability to form their own grid, can ensure your house remains powered during a severe weather event or grid outage. For most solar shoppers, this is a cost-effective way to improve the resiliency of your home without breaking the bank by going entirely off-grid.

Best off-grid solar kits

Credit: Renogy  

While this solar kit is the most expensive on our list, it has double the power output compared to the other two options. The Renogy off-grid solar system includes four 200-watt (W) monocrystalline solar panels for a total system output of 800 W. In addition to the solar panels, the bundled kit comes with a charge controller, adaptor kit, brackets, connectors, and a 3000 W pure sine wave inverter. The 60A MPPT solar charge controller has built-in protections against overcharging and overloading for a longer functional life.

WindyNation

Credit: Windy Nation

WindyNation’s complete solar kit includes four 100 W monocrystalline solar panels, a charge controller, a solar cable, connectors, mounting hardware, a 1500 W inverter, and four 100 Ah batteries. This system can work well for a tiny cabin because it's easily expandable, but you'll likely need to upgrade the solar charge controller for this setup.

Credit: ECO-WORTHY

ECO-WORTHY's solar kit includes four 100 W monocrystalline solar panels, a charge controller, two 100 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, a 2000W pure sine wave inverter, connectors, mounting brackets, and extension cables. The solar panels are highly efficient at 21% and have a one-year warranty.

How to go off-grid safely

Lightning strikes, malfunctioning equipment, and electrocution pose safety risks when working with electrical systems. For these reasons, safety disconnects , grounding equipment , and surge protections should all be on your radar when buying components for any off-grid system. When in doubt, talk to a licensed electrician or solar installer to learn more about the safety requirements for going off-grid with solar panels.

How much does it cost to go off-grid?

Going off-grid isn’t cheap, and it requires more than installing solar panels and disconnecting from your electric utility. Use these four steps to determine if going off-grid is cost-effective for your home:

Calculate your electricity use

Determine how many solar batteries you need

Design a solar panel system to fit your needs

Add up the costs of the combined solar plus storage system

How much electricity do you use?

The first step in going off-grid is understanding your electricity load , or how much electricity you use. Consumption is typically expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and you can estimate yours using your electric bill or the wattage of your appliances.

Your electric bill: Before you ditch your utility, look at your monthly consumption listed on your electric bills. Divide that by the number of days in the month to figure your daily consumption. Since use can vary throughout the year, performing this calculation for multiple months is a good idea.

Electricity load of your appliances: You can calculate this by multiplying the wattage of each appliance in your home (look for the yellow Energy Guide sticker that estimates yearly energy use) by the number of hours you use it daily. Then, divide that number by 365 to get their estimated daily electricity load. If you don’t know the wattage, the Department of Energy's calculator is a great tool to estimate your consumption based on the average appliance. 

Energy management systems: If you're planning to install solar and storage to go off-grid, it may be worth purchasing a home energy monitor or an energy management system to get a more precise estimate of your electricity usage.

How many batteries will you need?

To determine the number of batteries you need to power your house for a single day, you need to know your daily electricity consumption (see above) and the battery’s usable capacity. 

Electricity consumption: The average American household uses about 30 kWh per day. Given the conversion losses associated with storing electricity, you'll need enough batteries to store slightly more than what you use per day.

Usable capacity: The amount of electricity a battery can store after accounting for electrical losses and any energy needed to power it. For example, the Tesla Powerwall 3 stores 13.5 kWh. 

In this example, the average American homeowner would need three batteries to meet a single day's electricity needs . In reality, you'll want enough backup storage capacity to power your home for many days to ensure you’ll still have power during a storm or if you need more than your average daily usage in a single day. 

Batteries needed for off-grid solar: Northeast vs. Southwest

Off-griders in Massachusetts need to plan for the cold, snowy winter days. Fewer sun hours on a winter day and extended periods of cloudy weather and snow mean you'll need to install a much larger storage system and solar array to harness enough electricity.

Conversely, Arizonans should plan their off-grid setups around the hot summer months. More sun hours per day means you won't need to install a much larger solar panel system than usual, but a high electricity load increases the need for storage.

How many solar panels will you need?

First, you need to know the total size of your solar panel system. The easiest way to determine that is to divide the amount of electricity required by the number of expected sun hours .

The number of solar panels you'll need depends on their power output.

Adding up the costs

Given that a Tesla Powerwall battery costs $9,300 (before taxes and installation costs), batteries alone will likely cost between $74,400 and $120,900 or more. Depending on your cost of solar , going off-grid can easily come with a hefty six-figure bill.

*Costs do not reflect any rebates, tax credits, or other incentives.

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can lower your solar and storage costs by 30%, but you’re still looking at a bill that’s more than double or triple that of the average grid-tied solar plus storage system. 

So, before signing up for an off-grid system, make sure you know exactly what you're getting into…and how much it will cost.

Create your own clean energy with solar panels.

Enjoy the benefits of solar without rooftop panels.

Explore heat pumps, the latest in clean heating & cooling technology.

Don’t overpay for solar + batteries

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What is meant by off grid solar systems

Aug 11, 2017

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Thinking for solar installation? Do you know there are two methods of solar installation i.e. On Grid and Off Grid installation. Go through this presentation to know about what is Off Grid Installation and it's advantage compared to On grid solar installation.

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Presentation Transcript

About Off-grid Solar

Imagine getting electricity without a monthly bill… 0.0 0.0

…and where power cuts have no impact in your life!

or you get electricity where there is no power from traditional main line at all.

Where you generate your own power independently and …

..that too without hurting the environment!

That’s what Off-Grid Solar PV System is all about.

An off-grid or standalone photovoltaic (PV) system is when.. ..your solar PV system is not connected to the utility grid or main line and ... ...you are producing your own electricity using energy from the sun.

Wait. Before you decide to install off-grid solar PV system, there’s something you must know clearly.

Going off-grid means you will have no connection with the main utility grid. You will be literally “off-grid” and must make all the electricity necessary for the home, business, or application.

Storage batteries are required to generate and store power from sun, and use when required. The excess power generated is stored in the batteries.

Thinking of going solar?

CONTACT [email protected] www.insolergy.com

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