Independent Residential Solar Power System

Green Off Grid Power

An Independent Residential Solar Power System goes where grid power can't and liberates you from the power company. Living off the grid with solar energy isn't just for the boonies anymore.

An off grid, green energy solution for wherever you call home.

facts about solar energy

Off grid solar power has the advantage of going where grid power can't but it's just as powerful in the 'burbs as the boonies.

Off the grid systems are completely self sustaining requiring only a sunny location, an area sufficient to mount the panels along with the components listed below.

When properly installed, the components of the system collect, regulate, store and distribute the solar energy with very little maintenance on the part of the owner.

Independent Residential Solar Power System ~ Components

Solar Array (group of solar panels)
Charge controller (regulator)
Deep Cycle Batteries
Inverter
Assorted fuses, diodes, hardware, wire and connectors

In general, the power runs from the solar panel to the charge controller then to the battery. From the battery, power can be extracted directly to run devices that use 12V power or that have a 12V adapter.

To provide a 110 household current it's necessary for the energy from the battery to be passed through an inverter which converts the 12V energy to 110V power.

Considerations for Situating an Array of Solar Panels

Choose a sunny location that is exposed to sunlight for as much of the day as possible. The roof (of the house or other structure) usually fits these criteria although many users secure their solar array to posts, walls or the ground. In order to utilize the roof it would need to be facing in a close to ideal direction and canted at a favorable angle.

The angle at which the panels are displayed should equal your lattitude plus or minus 15 degrees. This is usually achieved using mounts that angle the panels to intercept the sun's path at 90 degrees at mid day. If you install a tracking device the panels will move from east to west with the sun keeping the panels straight on to the sun for more hours per day.

Avoid placing your array where the panels will be partially or fully shaded for extended periods. Consider the shade from nearby structures, trees and even adjacent solar panels when selecting the location for your array.

An array is sized according to the amount of energy required to power the household. Make adjustments to lighten your power demand before sizing your system.

Batteries ~ Independent Residential Solar Power System

A deep cycle battery bank is necessary for the constant operation of any off grid solar system. Once your system is established the batteries should be the only ongoing cost and with some wise management that cost can be kept to a minimum.

Allowing batteries to overcharge more than a few times can cause irreparable damage resulting in the need to replace them in as little as a year - at considerable cost.

On the other hand, battery life can be extended to 6 or 7 years with proper management. Keeping your batteries in tip top shape can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your solar system. Following a good lead acid battery maintenance schedule and adding a charge controller will play a significant role in extending the life of your batteries - sometimes for as long as 6 or 7 years.

Charge Controller ~ Independent Residential Solar Power System

The charge controller (regulator) prevents the batteries from over or under charging. Situated between the solar array and batteries, the charge controller (regulator) significantly extends the life of the battery bank by preventing the batteries from becoming overcharged.

Alternately, although the solar panels collect energy throughout the day, at night they allow energy to escape from the batteries unless the panel is fitted with a diode. The regulator prevents this night time loss of energy through the panels.

The Cost of an Independent Residential Solar Power System

The cost of solar energy is dependent upon a number of variables. Listed below are some considerations that influence the cost of living off the grid.

Check Current Prices

Visit the Alternative Energy Store for great prices on solar and wind energy equipment!

How much energy your household uses. ~ Your energy company calculates this in KWH (kilowatt hours) and charges you (usually a percentage of a cent) per KWH. Select the month with the highest usage when determining energy consumption. Most 2 bedroom homes use between 20 and 40 KWH's per day before making changes toward energy efficiency.

Following some helpful energy conservation tips and techniques you can probably reduce your household energy use by half or more.

If you're in the process of building, attention to energy efficient home details now will pay in savings for the life of the home.
Available subsidies ~ Grants and subsidies are available in numerous areas, some for as much as 100% of your purchase price.

If you live in the United States Check Here for government subsidies available in your area.
How much energy you are converting to solar. ~ Will you be using solar exclusively or a combination of solar energy with other forms of renewable energy such as geothermal, wind or hydropower.

If you're building a new house you're in a great position to make some decisions now that will reduce the home's energy needs throughout it's life. Note the details in this North Carolina Solar House that's been functional for decades.