How Off Grid Solar System Works

The notion of having a home that runs on self-sustainable power is an attractive one for a lot of homeowners, especially those living in remote areas. Being energy-independent, self-sustaining and saving money on electricity bills are just some of the benefits people who opt to install an off-grid solar power system reap.

Stand-alone power systems, or off grid solar system operate by generating electricity from solar panels which is used to charge a solar battery through a charger controller. The energy received is then converted through an inverter so that it can power your appliances. The ability to store electricity in a solar battery makes it possible for your home to run on solar energy alone, even during times when there isn’t plenty of sun exposure, and at night.

Typically, an off grid solar system requires a few pieces of equipment to operate. Depending on the scale and size of the power system setup, your needs might differ from the needs of other off grid system owners. However, there are some pieces you’ll need as to get it up and running. These include solar panels, a solar battery, an inverter, a solar charge controller and potentially an alternative energy source, just in case.

The solar panels are the most well-known piece of equipment, and everyone knows what their purpose is, more or less. The panels are basically the parts that absorb the sunlight, and depending on your individual requirements and limitations you face, the panel array can vary depending on a few factors: usable space on your roof, available sunlight in your area, and energy consumption needs.

Next come the solar batteries, which are also a necessary piece of equipment which allows your home to be powered after the sun is down. It’s what lets you keep and later on use the energy that isn’t consumed throughout the day, when the sun shines brightest. Depending on your energy requirements, you may have one battery, or a battery bank consisting of multiple batteries.

Furthermore, you’ll also require a solar inverter, simply because the direct current that you receive will need to be converter into alternating current which is needed to run most household electronics and appliances. For a stand-alone solar system, a stand-alone inverter is typically used. Although, there are a few more options when it comes to setup.

Lastly, a charge controller, also known as the battery charger, can be a vital piece of equipment when it comes to the health and longevity of your battery. It’s a device which helps regulate the current and voltage your solar battery receives in order to prevent damage and overcharging.