Off Grid Solar System

Thinking about an off grid solar power system?

Off Grid Solar System information and resources for homeowners. If your house is in a sunny location, off grid solar power can meet all of your power demands and free you from the chokehold that oil and power companies have on the planet.

Tips for Establishing Off Grid Solar Power at Home

Off Grid Solar Power is the way to go if you want a power system that is completely independent of the grid system. This type of system can be established in the city but more importantly it goes where grid power can't. The more remote the area, the more cost effective off grid living becomes.

Off grid solar systems are entirely self sustaining, requiring only a sunny location in which to mount the panels along with the components listed below.

When properly installed, the components of the system collect, regulate, convert, store and distribute the solar energy.

Other, less expensive methods of collecting solar energy (thermal, passive and thin film ) should be considered before sizing your photovoltaic array. Photovoltaics are the most expensive form of solar energy and should only be used for energy loads that can not be delegated to cheaper alternatives.

Very possibly you'll want to incorporate other alternatives such as geothermal heating and cooling and/or wind and water turbines depending on the raw resources available on your property. Many households also include wood heating capabilities and diesel generators to supplement off grid systems.

Off Grid Solar Power System ~ Components

Solar Array (group of solar panels) ~ The number of panels and overall wattage capability required depends upon how much energy you need and the amount of sunlight your property receives.

An off grid solar system requires a fairly large area in a location that is exposed to uninterrupted sunlight for as much of the day as possible. The roof (of the house or other structure) usually fits these criteria although posts, walls and the ground are also suitable areas.
Charge controller (regulator) ~ The regulator prevents the batteries from over or under charging. Situated between the solar array and batteries, the regulator significantly extends the life of the battery bank (an important consideration when you look at the cost of replacing batteries).
Deep Cycle Batteries ~ The number of batteries required will increase with the size of the array, it is definitely better, from a "wear and tear" point of view, to have too many batteries than too few. Batteries are the one component of your system that will need maintenance and occasional replacement. Proper maintenance of batteries can double their life and save you big bucks.
Inverter ~ The solar panels collect sunlight as 12 volt (DC) energy which is transported to and stored by the deep cycle batteries. In this form the energy will run any appliance or device that uses 12 volt power (that has a plug that fits into a vehicle cigarette lighter). 12 volt power does NOT run most household appliances or electronics. Mostly, households use 110 volt (AC) power and that's where the inverter comes in. An inverter converts the power from 12 volt to 110 volt for use in your home.
Assorted hardware, wire and connectors.

The Cost of an Off Grid Solar System Depends Upon

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 useage when determining your household energy consumption. Most 2 bedroom homes use somewhere between 20 and 40 KWH's per day. If you haven't already, trim your household energy consumption with these handy tips.

Solar by the Pallet

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

If you're in the planning phase of building your house, give serious consideration to alternative building materials such as straw bale, rammed earth or earth bags all of which utilize products that are natural, easy to work with and abundant while providing more than adequate insulation. Although insulation isn't the sexiest subject, it's contribution to energy savings is so significant that it's benefits cannot be overlooked.

Check out North Carolina's Solar House for a look at a solar power home that's been functional for decades. Note the details they've incorporated while building that make the house more energy efficient overall. Employing energy efficient strategies into your building plans will reduce the home's energy needs throughout it's life.
Available Subsidies ~ Grants, subsidies and incentives 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.