An off-grid solar system is a stand-alone method of generating electricity from solar panels. The system is very beneficial to people living in remote areas with no access to the utility grid. It can also liberate those in larger towns or cities from utility-grid inefficiencies such as grid collapse or power failure.
The essential components of an off-grid solar system are:
=> Solar panels
=> Solar inverter
=> Batteries
=> Solar charge controller
Solar panels
This is arguably the most important component in the system because this is primarily where the electricity is generated from. Solar panels are made up of silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) cells encased in glass and an aluminium frame. The PV cells on a panel are linked together and connected to adjacent panels via cables, although some panels may channel their electricity directly into the system if they have inverters attached to them. The amount of electricity generated by the panels altogether depends on solar irradiation, the efficiency of the panels, the angle of tilt and a host of other factors such as losses from shading.
Solar inverter
This piece of equipment is responsible for converting the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into a ready-to-use alternating current (AC). In many solar-powered systems, the solar panels are linked together in series. But others use a micro-inverter system where each panel has its own micro-inverter attached to the back of the panel.
Solar batteries
Batteries act as storage devices that enable the system to continue running after the sun has gone down. The batteries continue to store excess electricity as the panels generate power during the day, making the electricity available for use later when the panels have stopped generating power.
Solar charge controller
This is a safety device designed to protect the batteries. It regulates the current and voltage received from the panels so the batteries are not damaged as a result of overcharging.
Most off-grid solar system users install an alternative source of electricity, such as a generator, to serve as back-up if the system goes down or in the winter months when energy production is low.
Installing off-grid solar system in Australia
Australia is a huge country with different weather conditions in the regions. There is a big difference between the amount of daily sunshine you get in the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Depending on your location, you can achieve energy self-sufficiency with an off-grid solar system in Australia. For example, installing solar panels in Brisbane will give you maximum performance over time in view of abundance of sunshine over there.
Choosing the right company for installation
Engaging the right company is crucial. Arise Solar is one of the largest and most trusted solar energy networks in Australia. You are in luck if you live in Queensland, New South Wales or South Australia because we only sell to residents in those places. Contact us today for a solar energy quote at your property.
