An Explanation of the Off-Grid Solar Electric System

If you have been dreaming of becoming totally energy independent, then your ultimate goal is to live “off grid”. Many of those who live off grid are in rural areas where electric utility service is either not available or very expensive to connect. But a growing number of people are considering it as a personal lifestyle option.

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There are a couple of important factors involved in living off-grid. First, you need to become more aware of how and when you use your electricity.  You won’t have to live without it, but you don’t want to waste it, either.

It’s also important that you learn all you can about your solar energy system – how it functions and what kind of maintenence it requires. It would be a good idea to become an expert on your particular system, so you can troubleshoot anything unexpected that comes up. Becoming an expert is not too difficult to do since there is so much information on solar energy available now. However, it can require a bit of your time and commitment.

Typically, an off-grid system is made up of nine components

1. The photovoltaic array and mounting rack. Wikipedia describes the array as “a linked collection of photovoltaic modules, which are in turn made of multiple interconnected solar cells”. The mounting rack allows you to attach them the roof and face them toward the sun.

2. The array DC (direct current) disconnect. This acts as a “breaker” between the system and the array and allows you to disconnect the system to do troubleshooting or fix problems.

Third, the charge controller prevents the batteries from overcharging.

4. The battery bank. The battery bank stores excess electricity. Because there will be overcast periods when sunlight is unable to reach your solar cells, you will need about 2 to 3 days worth of stored electricity

Fifth, the system meter is like your car’s dashboard. It reports how the various components in your system are performing.

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Sixth, is the main DC disconnect. This is a breaker between the storage batteries and the inverter.

Seventh, is the inverter. This is the device that transforms the DC (direct current) electricity, which is generated by the array and stored in the batteries, into the AC (alternating current) electricity that can run your household appliances.

Eighth, the AC breaker panel. This is the same type of breaker panel that the power company uses to connect your house wiring to its electrical source.

9. Your backup generator. A backup generator may be needed if there is a stretch of cloudy days and you have used up the power that was stored in the batteries. Traditional fossil fuels can be used for your generator; however, if you’re maintaining a green lifestyle, you will want to use biodiesel.

As you can see, each component is relatively simple in and of itself. The only motorized parts are in the backup generator (which you hopefully won’t have to use much). Now that we’ve examined the components of the photovoltaic system, you can see why it’s not too complicated to become your own expert.

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