Off Grid Solar System Ultimate Guide | Concepts and How it Works

You may have heard of houses being off-grid. What does it mean? What is the concept of going off-grid? How do solar panels work? What are the other considerations that you need to think about when going off-grid? These are just some of the questions that will be answered in this ultimate guide for off grid solar system.

Understanding the Concept of Going Off-Grid

When houses go off-grid, it means that the owners generate their electricity. They do not depend on the local electricity distribution system to supply them. People who own houses that are off-grid can maintain their own electrical system and do not depend on the provision of the utility company for their home. Going off-grid has its perks. Since you produce your own electricity, you are less likely to have a power failure in the home. You can also use as many electronics as you want in the home as long as you have enough power supply.

Being off-grid is often associated with the usage of solar panels. And rightly so, it is true. The utilization of solar panels is often the route that most homeowners take when they want to go off-grid. These homeowners choose this way of power supply because of the durability of the individual units and the longevity of the whole unit, and the amount of electricity that it can produce to power up the whole house.

How does off grid solar system work

If you choose the off-grid solar power system, you are separating yourself from the supply of electric power from the utility company. This means that should have a battery in your home that stores the electricity. Off-grid systems should provide a supply for the home day in and day out. When you have seasons of winter, it is best to secure off-grid solar power systems that can produce electricity throughout the year.

The off grid solar power system is usually composed of these parts: solar panels, solar charge controller, inverter, and battery. The solar panels are usually placed on the roof of the home. They gather the energy that comes from the sun. this energy is converted to electricity by the solar charge controller and stored in the battery. The electricity of off grid solar power systems is in the direct current or DC. This means that it can power up electrical appliances that run on direct current.

Since most of the electronics at home run on AC or alternating current, you will need to add an inverter in your solar power system assembly. This inverter will convert DC to AC. In this way, you can directly plug your appliances and electronics on electric sockets in the home.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Go Off-Grid

The question about the number of solar panels needed to go off-grid is relative to the following factors:

- The electricity that your house will consume

- The roof space that your home is capable of accommodating

- The amount of sunlight that you can accumulate in your home

- The type of solar panels that you will pick for your house

On the average, a home that chooses to go off-grid requires around 7,000 watts or 7 kW of power in order to supply electricity to the whole area. If you think that you will be needing more electricity for your home, you will then have to invest in more solar panels and have a bigger capacity for your battery and controller.

A typical solar panel generates around 200 watts of power. As the solar panel size increases, its performance also increases. Its framework also affects the number of photovoltaic cells that can be mounted on the roof home.

For a 200-watt panel, you will need 35 units of solar panels to be installed in your home. To comfortably install these 35 pieces of solar panels, you will need, at least, around 390 square feet of space.

How to Calculate the Number of Solar Panels Needed

When it comes to calculating the number of solar panels needed for a specific project, there are a few important factors to consider. These factors can include the amount of energy needed, the location of the project, the efficiency of the solar panels, and the type of solar panels used.

To begin with, it is important to determine the amount of energy needed. This can be done by looking at previous energy bills, or by estimating the amount of energy that will be required for the project. Once the energy needs are established, it is possible to calculate the size of the solar panel required to meet the energy demands.

Another factor to consider is the location of the project. This is because the amount of sunlight that the solar panels can receive will vary depending on the location, as well as the time of year. For example, if a project is located in a sunny location with long daylight hours, fewer solar panels may be required to meet the energy needs. For example, if your daily energy usage is 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and your location receives an average of 6 hours of full sunlight each day, you will need to install a solar power system with a capacity of 5 kW. If the solar panels you are planning to use have an output of 300 watts per panel, you will need to install 17 panels to reach the desired capacity level.

The efficiency of the solar panels is also a crucial factor to consider when calculating the number of panels needed. High-efficiency panels can produce more energy, which means that fewer panels may be required to meet the energy demands of the project. One such example is the anker solar generator 767, which boasts an impressive conversion efficiency rating of 23%—the highest of any similar system on the market. This 2048Wh powerhouse is combined with five 200W solar panels for your use. Anker PowerHouse 767 is the most reliable, long-lasting generator on the market. Powered by InfiniPower™ technology, LiFePO4 batteries, and specially designed electronic components, this solar generator can last up to 10 years, even with everyday use. The 531 Solar Panel is adjustable between 40°, 50° or 60° via a kickstand and provides waterproof protection (IP67) against bad weather and rugged outdoor adventures. With 2400W of power you can charge up to 12 devices simultaneously such as your RV with the exclusive RV port, 4 AC ports with a wattage of up to 2400W, 3 USB-C charging ports, 2 USB-A ports and 2 car outlets. Plus, the Anker PowerHouse 767 offers superior coverage with its 5-year full-device warranty making this device the perfect solution for anyone who needs reliable, off-grid energy.

Finally, the type of solar panel used can also affect the number of panels needed. There are two main types of solar panels - monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient, but can also be more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable, but less efficient than their monocrystalline counterparts.

In conclusion, calculating the number of solar panels required for a project involves considering several factors, such as the energy needs, location, efficiency, and type of solar panels used. By carefully evaluating each of these factors, it is possible to accurately calculate the number of solar panels needed for a successful solar project.

Other Considerations for Going Off-Grid with Solar Panels

When going off-grid with solar panels, you have to consider other factors such as financing options, investment payback, and system maintenance. Since the overhead costs of materials and installation are thousands of dollars, it may be safe for you to consider financing options offered by companies. You also have to understand the investment payback. Usually, your return on investment is 5 to 10 years.

Aside from the materials and units that you will use upon installation, you should also have to consider the regular maintenance of the individual parts. All the solar panels, controllers, batteries, and inverters must be checked to ensure that they are working properly.

Conclusion

Going off-grid with solar panels is a great way to save on electricity bills. You can use solar energy for your home and other power needs. With the right number of panels, space, and maintenance, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of going off-grid without any hassle. Consulting an expert from Anker can help get you on the right track to making your home solar-powered. This can help you save money and become energy independent in the long run.