An Off-Grid power system collects sunlight through solar panels, converting it into DC (Direct Current) electricity which charging your battery bank. This DC is then converted to AC (Alternating Current) electricity. That AC is then used to power your household and any other outbuildings. During summer months, you will likely generate more power than can be used. Even in the winter, your system will produce electricity although a backup generator will be needed to recharge the batteries and/or run high demand items.
The cost is dependent on multiple factors including: size, wattage and number of panels; Type, wattage and quality of inverter/chargers; and the options you choose.
Electricity – both AC and DC – is measured in Watts. Wattage is Volts multiplied by Amps. Most homes operate on a 120/240 Volt system. All small appliances run on 120V, while larger ones, like water heaters, stoves and system air conditioners, run on 240V.
When electricity is produce but not all of it is being used, it must be stored for later use. This is where the deep-cycle batteries come in. There are several varieties of these batteries including the new electric storage system recently released by Tesla, that is based on a lithium-ion technology. While this development is exciting for the future they are sold out until the middle of next year and there is little long-term data available. At this point in time, the best dollar for dollar option is the old tried and true flooded batteries. Flooded batteries contain acid and must be kept in a safe, vented structure where the out-gassing does not constitute a health hazard. They come in 2 Volt and 6 Volt sizes and are hooked up in series to make a 12, 24 or 48 Volt bank. Please Note: Improper battery bank size (to large or too small) will result in over draining and/or under charging your batteries and will reduce their life drastically and is the most common error made in Off-grid systems.
As we know all too well on Vancouver Island, the sun doesn’t always shine – especially in the winter. It is critical that you fully charge your batteries when they reach 50% discharge. With high draw equipment that you use only occasionally – such as a table saw or air compressor – it is more practical and cost effective to run the generator to power them. Any time the generator is running, however, it is also charging the batteries. Your system can be designed with the ability to start your generator automatically as having fully charged batteries is crucial.
Most Solar Panels have a twenty-five-year warranty but typically last longer. Batteries, if sized, broken in and maintained properly, have a life from seven to ten years.
There are many factors that impact this: Roof size and weight capacity; Southern exposure; Trees, hills and neighbouring buildings. Systems don’t have to be on rooves either, panels can be mounted on poles or on the ground or both! Contact us and we will come out for an assessment of your location.
