Ready to cut the ties and go off-grid?
Have you considered going completely energy independent with a solar power system? That is, do you long for going off-grid, free from the expensive rates of utility companies? I had always thought that off-grid was clearly the way to go, until I did a bit more research.
There are a number of pros and cons for you to consider when implementing a solar power system that will take you off-grid. First, let’s review the three types of solar power systems:
- On-Grid Battery Solar Power System
- On-Grid Solar Power System without Battery
- Off-Grid Solar Power System
With an on-grid battery system, a back-up battery is included as part of the solar power system. Batteries can store excess energy generated by the solar panels, and even send the surplus electricity out to the grid. Of course, the system is connected to the electricity grid which is why it is called “on-grid.” The solar panel system includes solar panels, a charge controller, battery, inverter, AC service entrance and AC subpanel, and a utility meter.
You can still stay on-grid without a battery, however. These solar power systems are the simplest and least expensive to set up. All that is included is the PV array, an inverter, AC service entrance and utility meter. Your system is connected to the grid, but there is no battery back-up. The obvious drawback is that when power goes out in your area, your solar power system will also shut down.
Finally, there is the off-grid solar power system. There is no tie-in to the electricity grid. Batteries are required as part of the system in order to store excess energy. The following video shows how to set up this type of system:
If your home is in the woods, you may need to be off-grid
Turning to a comparison of on-grid vs. off-grid solar power systems, there are clear advantages and disadvantages to each of these.
Off-grid systems are the only way to go if you live in a remote area where there are no utilities. In fact, you can get a better deal on rural properties that are not connected to the grid because of the expense of running lines out to the home.
But, if you have the ability to connect to the grid, why wouldn’t you? First and foremost is the idea of independence from utilities. No more worries about rate increases. If the power goes out, your lights and refrigerator (and television and radio) are not affected. Second, due to the cost of an off-grid system, many homeowners find themselves forced to conserve energy rather than expand the system to generate more power. This is very appealing to the environmentally-minded.
What are the down-sides for going off-grid? Instead of the utility company maintaining your system, you’ll be doing it all yourself. Batteries will have to be replaced (about every 5-15 years) at a cost of at least $1000. In addition to the cost of the batteries is the inefficiency, which increases as the batteries age. They start out at about 90% efficiency. Moreover, when you’re not connected to the grid, excess energy that is generated is not fed out to the utility to give you an energy credit (this can happen with on-grid systems). Off-grid systems must use the surplus or lose it. Finally, most off-grid systems include a back-up generator, which can be very expensive.
None of this is to say that you should not go off-grid. My in-laws have been living off-grid for almost 25 years and just love it! My father-in-law is very much a do-it-yourself kind of person. If you enjoy convenience, however, going off-grid may not be for you!
Grid tie-ins are usually very reliable
For an on-grid system, the primary upside over off-grid is that you can draw on grid-based electricity when necessary, rather than either go without power, or use a fossil-fuel based generator. You still get a great deal of independence and cheap electricity, but it may be more reliable in many ways.
The biggest question for you is whether you will include a battery or not. Battery-based on-grid systems cost about 35-50% more than without, but you lose the opportunity for back-up without a battery. Also consider the cost of utility line extension for grid-ties. If you are close to the line, it may cost you nothing. But if it will be a major extension, it could be very expensive and you may decide that staying off-grid is the best way to go for your home. If you tie into the grid, be sure you are clear about the question of net metering (when you can sell back excess energy to the grid for credit).
Fortunately, there are many solar power system options for homeowners. No matter your circumstance or where you live, you can find a way to use solar energy to power your life!
Tags: off-grid, on-grid, solar power system
December 8th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Great post! I subscribed to your Youtube channel. I am in the solar and propane refrigerator business if any of your customers need one. I have a lot of customers in WA so maybe I can send you some business.
Ben C.
http://www.BensDiscountSupply.com
December 8th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Hi Ben – thank you so much for subscribing. I am happy to write a post or two about solar refrigerators and can link to your site. I am located in Oregon, but born and raised in Washington.
Cheers, Stephanie
February 11th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Well thought out site, I love it! I figured I’d post my website for DIY Solar Power Guides. You can learn more about solar power, panels, wind turbines, and pick up a guide for cheap DIY solar and wind turbine projects. These guides make it easy for ANYBODY to do it in all honesty.
February 11th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Hi Gordon, thanks for the comment and the link! I hope the readers here find it helpful. I love DIY projects!
Stephanie
May 13th, 2009 at 3:37 am
Hi, I like your website because it is so easy to find the information I wanted, interested by not being too short or long and has a lot of personality. I hope you can expand and write about other topics, such as compost, rain barrels…etc.
December 17th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Solar Power for Houses
A basic solar installation from a retailer can take 30 years to pay back and cost you well over $20,000?
I just made my own solar panel. It was so simple and looks just like a bought panel.
I managed to build 4 solar panels for under $200! This Is Not A Joke!
January 20th, 2010 at 3:17 am
who wrote this article? just wondering thank you.
April 16th, 2010 at 2:26 am
Dear Sir,
Good day.
I am from Bangladesh; you per haves know Bangladesh is power hungry country.
For prompt power supply Government has taken various step, one of this is solar power.
Recently govt./Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) invited three tender intends to select potential sponsor (the "Project Sponsor") to develop 3 MW grid connected solar power project at Sharishabari, Jamalpur, 3 MW grid connected solar power project at Rajabarihat, Rajshahi & 1 MW grid connected solar power project at RTC, BPDB, Rajshahi. These projects will be implemented on Build, Own and Operate ("BOO") basis for a period of 15 years.
For details please see attached files or browse :http://www.bpdb.gov.bd/solar.htm
There is tow way for co-operation.
1.Your company can participate directly for Pre-Qualification & implement these projects on BOO basis. We will work for your company.
2.Some financially solvent company will participate on behalf of your company & they finance. Your company will give them technical support.
More grid connected solar power project is coming. This is almost virgin market. There are huge business potentialities.
We are willing to enter in to solar business & want your technical support for greater cooperation.
Our company is financially solvent & serious.
Waiting for your mail.
Please keep in touch for further cooperation.
Thanks & best regards.
Have a nice day.
Reza Rayhan
Sifin Traders LTD.
3/803, Eastern Circuit,
30, Circuit House Road , Dhaka
Bangladesh
e-mail: rayhan1957@gmail.com
msn: rayhan1957@hotmail.com
mobile: 008801552203523
May 29th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
interested in buying youre product.
I have a system that requires aprox 50 amp
could you give me some info on a size system like that
sandra montoya
November 14th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Off-Grid Systems are increasingly becoming more affordable, especially if we look at the world’s warehouse China (for example available at http://www.offgridsolar.cn)
The on-grid vs. off-grid debate is essentially an economic one, but with the falling prices for these systems I see increasingly less reasons the speak for ongrid-systems.
December 30th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
how much difference will it be.. in the sizing of the solar system (including panel and battery) used if the on grid system solar system is designed…in comparison to off grid solar system??
can any one help me…????
January 6th, 2011 at 12:10 am
DIY projects is all human beings need in the future ,we support it . great website
http://www.offgridsolar.cn
June 9th, 2011 at 11:01 am
It’s impossible to get an accurate count of exactly how many people in the United States live off-grid, but in 2006, Home Power magazine estimated that more than 180,000 homes were supplying their own power. Another 27,000 homes use solar and wind energy to offset their grid-connected life.
http://www.solar-panels-power-energy.com
August 25th, 2011 at 2:30 am
dear SIrs,
can u plz let me know that if we dont want to store energy coming from solar panels into the batteries but we want it to directly go into the grid…will the solar panel system will shutdown???or is there any other solution that the solar panel system will not shut down if we dont use batteries,instead we give the energy directly to the grid???waiting for your prompt response.
thanks
shah
August 31st, 2011 at 3:17 am
Where can we get more details about the off grid and on grid systems…
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:43 pm
Having sold propane and solar appliances and using them for years, I still can’t see why more people don’t do it. I really think it’s because they don’t know more about it. Glad I stumbled onto you. Those videos are great.