Today, in this post, we will all discuss the off-grid solar power system. While talking about the off-grid solar system is one of the most controversial topics these days. We are all using off-grid solar systems in our commercial and residential areas, we still have many concerns related to it. So, the above post will benefit you when you are looking for better or more detailed information about the same. Let’s have a look at the information below:
Most off-grid solar systems have four major components:
- solar panels,
- charger controllers,
- inverters,
- battery banks.
Setting up off-grid solar power systems consumes a lot of time, and each piece has its role, and here we will discuss the role of each component in detail.
What Components Are Typically Used in an Off grid Solar Power System?
1.Solar Panels & Mounting- Average Cost: $5,000 – $30,000
Solar panels are the ones on which the complete working of the off-grid solar power system depends. They are made up of multiple forms of cells, which can be in 60, 72, 120, 132, or 144. The solar cells are made of small squares forming a solar panel. These are such types of panels that are very much cost-effective. Monocrystalline panels are one of the widely used forms of panels that are trending these days.
The size of the monocrystalline panels varies from 68” by 40” and 80” by 40”. And while talking about their output being around 300 to 375 watts, the production for 80 by 40 is about 375 watts. So, we must check out its size and output while purchasing the same.
The solar panels are then connected along with the strings, which aim to create a current and are all connected parallelly.
Which type of solar panel is the best option?
As we have discussed earlier, there are two types of solar panels available in the market, one of them is monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Both of these are different according to their prices and availability. Polycrystalline panels were very famous in the past as they were very much cheaper. But these days, monocrystalline panels are famous as they are affordable, more efficient, and last longer than polycrystalline.
2. Charge Controller- $50 – $1000
This is the second component of the off-grid solar system; according to it, the energy flow takes place within the off-grid solar system. If you check for it, you will improve the performance and the life of your off-grid solar panel. The charge controller must be properly charged, and if you use the same, you must ensure that it is not half charged.
There are two types of charge controllers available in the market these days: PWM or pulse width modulation and MPPT or maximum power point tracking.
3.Inverter-$3000 – $13,000
The inverter is the next part or component of the off-grid, and it is all used in the battery-based inverter. The primary role of the inverter is to transform DC into the AC, send it into the off-grid panel, and then to the home or the area where it is installed.
Depending on the area where you want to install the inverter, you can choose its size. There are multiple sizes of it available in the market. So, depending on the loads you want to use, you can select it. But when choosing the same, you should ensure that your inverter will handle it.
When you choose the maximum load, you should ensure it can handle that whole load.
5. Batteries- Average cost: $10,000 – $30,000
When talking about the significant component of off-grid solar panels, batteries are among them. They are also one of the most expensive components of off-grid solar panels. There are two types of batteries from which off-grid solar panels are made: lithium and lead acid.
(1) Lead Acid batteries
Flooded acid batteries are also known as wet cell lead acid batteries, and when you want to save money, lead acid batteries are the best option for you. There are two more batteries within the lead acid batteries: sealed AGM and lead acid batteries. There is enormous maintenance required when you will choose this option of battery. If you do not regularly maintain your batteries, it will impact their life and causes premature failure of the off-grid solar panels. So, you must check the water levels within the batteries, and you should frequently learn about the equalization charges when opting for flooded lead acid batteries.
On the other hand, when you want a low-maintenance off-grid solar panel battery, sealed AGM lead acid batteries are the best option for you.
(2)AGM Lead acid batteries
AGM lead acid batteries are also known as absorbed glass mats. As it does not require as much maintenance as required in the AGM lead acid batteries, it also increases the price of the batteries. There are entirely well-packed; therefore, no such huge maintenance is required in this.
Besides this, there is one drawback for the AGM lead acid battery: once it gets abused, it becomes impossible to get it back.
(3)Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are widely used within the batteries industry and are very beneficial in improving the charging cycle. Lithium Iron Phosphate, or LiFePO4, is one of the widely used options for batteries in the off-grid solar panel industry. The size and weight of the Lithium battery make it different from the battery options. It can be easily charged and maintained even though you do not need to set it thoroughly compared to the other battery options. There are multiple variations available within the Lithium batteries, which are 12v, 24v, and 48v. It is the best option as compared to the other battery options. It comes with a warranty of 10 years.
Hybrid inverter system
The hybrid inverter system is beneficial in integrating multiple parts of the off-grid solar system. Such parts are grid loads, batteries, generators, and the inputs for the solar. It is all beneficial in offering completely customized and flexible solutions. It would help if you opted for a hybrid inverter system when you want a great solution. This is also known as the name of hybrid inverters or ESS. These are very much easy to install and have a longer life.
It is all made with modern technology and a Lithium battery, widely used for charging batteries within generators.
Frequently asked questions about the off-grid solar panels
You still have huge concerns about the off-grid solar panels, but do not worry; here, we will resolve all your doubts with our frequently asked questions and answers section.
1.Is Off-Grid solar expensive?
Most people believe that off-grid solar is expensive. For those people, the price of the off-grid solar all depends upon the components present within it. There are three things on which the cost of off-grid solar depends: electricity consumption, country, and the availability of sun. People from these areas need to pay differently for off-grid solar panels.
2.Does solar increase home value?
Most homeowners believe that choosing solar panels will let them increase the value of their houses. But it depends on whether the person has purchased the same or is on lease. Moreover, it all depends upon the brand of the solar panel.
3.How much does a 100kW solar system cost?
The price for the 100kw solar system has been reduced over the past few months. The 100kw is beneficial in generating 12000 per month. The 100kw solar system involves two major things: a solar inverter and a solar panel. The price for the 100kw solar panel is around 10,000$ to 50,000$. And it all depends upon the area too.
Conclusion
At last, we hope you have all cleared up the various components of the off-grid solar panels. The above information will benefit you when searching for an off-grid solar panel. So, when you purchase the same, you must focus on the above information.