This type of system is for those who
truly want energy independence.
This type of system runs autonomously:
It is completely independent
of the electric utility grid. It is
also very valuable in remote areas where there are no existing
power
lines. For this reason, off-grid systems are very popular
in mountain and forests areas, for cabins or homes that
are far away
from the electrical
grid. It has all of the features and benefits of a standard
grid-tied system, but with the additional
benefit of uninterruptible power.
This system can save
tens of thousands
of dollars:
Of money that would be spent it
to extend power lines to some remote areas
(The going rate for wiring a building that's not connected
to the utility grid is around $50,000 per half-mile!). This system is fully self-sustaining:
The battery backup will ensure that you have electricity for critical
loads in when the sun is down or blocked by clouds. When the
optional backup generator is added, you are truly protected
against nearly any catastrophic situation. There
is also a optional DC hookup, which means you can use DC
appliances and power devices.
This system may or may not
use energy storage
(batteries), but because you are not supplied electricity
from the grid with your solar system isn't producing
electricity (at
night or cloudy conditions), we strongly suggest having
a backup source. Below is a simple
diagram of a typical off-grid Solar Energy system, including
the basic (and optional)
components and configuration:
How it works:
1) Sunlight hits
the solar
module, which is attached to your
roof with the mounting racks.
2) The solar
(or photovoltaic) cells inside the module then convert
the light into electricity.
3) This electricity travels through
wires to the charge
controller, which senses
battery voltage and regulates battery charging -
the electricity is then used to keep the batteries fully
charged to ensure uninterruptible power.
4) The remaining electricity is
then transferred to the inverter and/or
the load
controller (optional, if you want/need
DC electricity).
4a) The inverter takes
the electricity from the solar module (DC electricity) and converts it into the
electricity your home needs
to
run your appliances, lighting, etc. (AC electricity).
4b) The load controller
is used for any DC power device you may want to run, and decreases the energy
losses experiences
when
the inverter converts the DC to AC. Nearly all power devices and common
appliances
use AC electricity.
Although, there
are DC power devices available.
5) The AC electricity then travels to a standard AC
service panel (breaker box), and is supplied
to directly to your home/business.
5a) The
DC electricity (optional) then travels to a standard DC
service panel (breaker box), and is supplied
to directly to the DC
loads in your home/business.
6) (Optional) In the event of an emergency
(extended cloud cover or unforeseen system disruption), your
system automatically begins to draw power from the backup
generator and converts it into the electricity you need.
The main components of this system:
- Solar
modules
- Charge controller
- Inverter
- Battery bank
These all come
standard with any Astralux Off-Grid Solar Energy System
with Battery Backup. We also offer a in-home wireless monitor so
you can literally see your solar system at work, this
is a popular feature for the majority of our customers.
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