Solar power is, without doubt, the best recourse for mitigating the carbon footprint globally. Various governments worldwide are offering incentives to promote the setting up of solar systems. Choosing the right solar power system will help you realise its best potential.
Off-grid solar systems are one of the most commonly used systems in India. Along with ensuring self-sufficiency, it helps the environment revive. This blog discusses more about off-grid solar installation and its benefits.
What is an off-grid solar system?
An off-grid solar system is independent of the public electricity grid. It remains self-sufficient in energy generation and does not transfer excess production to the grid. All energy generated by the system during the day is stored for household use in case of an outage.
This is in contrast to on-grid solar systems, where excess energy is transferred to the public grid and the household earns a credit for the same.
Components of an off-grid solar system
1. PV panels
Solar panels are the main component of solar systems. PV panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The number of panels is an important consideration based on the energy requirements of the household. Most solar panels are roof-mounted.
2. Battery storage
Solar systems produce electricity during the day when sunlight is abundantly available. The excess energy after usage by the household is stored in batteries. This ensures an uninterrupted power supply during power outages.
3. Charge controller
The flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery and vice versa is controlled by the charge controller. This ensures there is no overcharging or any reverse flow of current from the battery when energy production does not happen. It is one of the crucial elements of an off-grid solar system.
4. Inverter
Although solar panels produce electricity, it cannot be used by the appliances as it is. An inverter converts the energy produced by the solar panels into a usable form; that is, direct current to alternating current that the appliances use.
5. Mounting structure
A proper solar mounting structure is required to position the solar system. This ensures proper orientation of panels and efficient capture of sunlight.
Step-by-step guide to setting up an off-grid solar power system
Here are the key steps involved in installing an off-grid solar system. Always consult an experienced solar company for installation.
1. Planning
This is the first step where you assess your energy requirements and decide the size of the solar system to be set up. Installing the right-sized off-grid solar electric system is essential for an uninterrupted energy supply. List all appliances that you will connect to the solar system and calculate their daily watt-hours to understand the energy consumption.
2. Site assessment
The second step involves inspecting the suitability of the site. The size of the roof, exposure to sunlight, location, local rules, etc., are factors that come under the feasibility study.
3. Installation
Installation involves mounting the solar panels in the correct orientation. Setting up the inverter, batteries, wiring, fuses, circuit breakers, etc., is crucial in this step.
4. Testing
In this step, the solar system is put to use, and performance is monitored for a few days. Energy production levels indicate how efficient the solar system is. Solar panel require regular maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of the connections is to be carried out once the system starts producing output.
Things to consider before setting up an off-grid solar power system
Energy needs
Before installation, you should be aware of your energy needs. This helps in identifying the right size of solar system. When assessing energy requirements, future increases in needs should also be forecasted to make the system scalable.
Roof availability
A proper roof structure is essential to install off-grid solar systems. Make sure the roof is strong and suitable to support your solar system size.
Sunlight availability
Your roof must have maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year so that the off-grid solar power system functions efficiently. Make sure there is no shading, which may prevent direct sunlight from reaching the panels.
Battery storage
An off-grid solar system saves excess electricity in batteries for use during outages. You should consider a battery with sufficient capacity for your solar system to store excess energy.
Benefits and limitations of an off-grid solar system
Benefits
- All the energy you generate is for your use, and this leads to energy independence.
- You have an uninterrupted power supply at all times.
- You can save hugely on electricity bills.
- You can enjoy long-term cost savings with off-grid solar systems.
Limitations
- There is no possibility of selling extra energy to the power grid for consideration.
- Battery maintenance is expensive but highly essential, as there is a need to store excess energy.
- Off-grid systems involve huge upfront costs.
Maintenance of an off-grid solar power system
Periodic cleaning of panels, checking the writing and connections, and inspecting the batteries are some of the maintenance needs of an off-grid system. Make sure you engage a professional solar installation company to take care of maintenance.
Return on investment (ROI)
An ROI on an off-grid solar power system can be realised as early as 5-10 years. You can see immediate returns in the form of a reduction in energy bills. The major expenditure for an off-grid system is on batteries. You can enjoy long-term benefits from this as you become self-sufficient for your energy needs.
Subsidies
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provides subsidies only for on-grid residential solar systems. Under this scheme, homeowners can receive up to ₹78,000 as subsidy for systems with a capacity of 3 kW and above.
Please note that off-grid solar systems are not eligible for any subsidy under this program.
Future-proofing off-grid systems
Many technological upgrades are being developed in this sector. Your solar system should be designed to accept the upgrades to enhance its performance. Also, make room for a future increase in energy consumption. A scalable solar system is highly recommended. This will help the off-grid system to function without any hiccups in the future.
Conclusion
Our country is on a transformative journey towards solar energy, and off-grid solar power systems are a great way to achieve energy independence. Reduced dependence on the grid can soon lead us to net-zero carbon emission levels. With more people shifting to off-grid solar electric systems, we can guarantee a sustainable future for generations to come.