What Does Off-Grid Solar Power Mean?

 

What Does Off-Grid Solar Power Mean?

The term “Off-grid solar power” means that a solar power system powers a property but it’s not connected to the electricity grid. So the property is effectively “off the grid”. When we say electricity grid we’re talking about the power lines or underground power that brings the power to most properties. Off-grid solar power systems are also known as “stand-alone power systems”. That’s because they are “stand-alone”; they function independently of the electricity grid.

Why Would I Want an Off-Grid Solar Power System?

This is an important question and there are a number of different reasons:

1. Cost to connect to the grid is too high.

In remote locations, or even sometimes when the power lines are just a few hundred meters away, the cost to connect to the electricity grid can be enormous. In these situations, it just makes sense to go off the grid altogether. Why would you pay a bucket load of money to connect to the grid so you can then be billed for that power every quarter? Why not put that money into becoming energy independent with your own off-grid power system?   

2. I’m sick of paying high power bills!

With growing fixed costs like so-called “supply charges” and electricity tariffs that have nearly doubled in the last decade many people are sick and tired of the grid. An off-grid solar power system can mean you disconnect from the grid altogether. Say goodbye to those power bills once and for all!

3. The electricity grid can’t meet my power requirements

Sometimes the electricity grid infrastructure just can’t cope with more power being taken from it, or maybe only single-phase power is available and you have 3 phase loads you need to power. An off grid solar power system can potentially bridge the gap.

Going Off-Grid-what’s involved?

Off-grid solar power systems are a lot more involved than a standard grid connect solar power system. This is because an off-grid solar power system has to produce enough power to cover both the day and night time power consumption of the property. Obviously, the sun isn’t shining 24hrs a day so any power required at night time has to be stored in batteries.