| Using Solar energy you can create electricity to power | | | | stand alone system. That is an off the grid system. |
| RVs, residential homes and commercial properties. | | | | They will become completely self sufficient for energy |
| There are a variety of solar power systems available. | | | | needs. Of course this requires more management by |
| Quite often the choice of which to go for is obvious | | | | the individual and more responsibility but it is cheaper |
| but in other situations you may have to weigh up the | | | | than using grid power and more environmentally |
| pros and cons. This article will detail some of the | | | | friendly. |
| options and explain the considerations. | | | | The complete off grid system will contain more |
| If we consider an RV, for example, the ideal solar | | | | inverters, probably two, so that there will be enough |
| power system would be a portable system. These | | | | current to run large appliances like air conditioners and |
| systems are economical, as they have a smaller | | | | electric heaters. It also gives the solar power system |
| number of solar panels and batteries than a larger | | | | more flexibility in that one can be operated while the |
| stand-alone system. They may be moved around so | | | | other is being maintained. |
| that they can make the most of the sunny conditions | | | | Of course another reason for having an off the grid |
| depending on your location. | | | | system is when there is no grid to connect to. |
| The basic set up of a stand alone system for | | | | Typically, this will be in remote areas and the solar |
| generating electricity is one or more solar panels. | | | | power system is the only source of energy supply. It is |
| These are generally connected to one or more | | | | not so much a nice thing to have or an economical |
| batteries that will store DC current. As most | | | | measure but a necessity. |
| appliances in the home and business use AC current | | | | Hybrid systems are also useful in remote areas or if |
| an inverter is needed to convert from DC to AC. | | | | you are planning to go self sufficient in creating energy. |
| For those that like an each way bet or are new to | | | | A hybrid system uses two methods of energy |
| solar power electricity there is the grid tie solar power | | | | generation to double the total amount of created. This |
| system. This means that the home or business building | | | | may include a solar/wind power option if you want to |
| is still connected to the grid but has a solar panel | | | | go totally green. Otherwise you may go for a solar |
| installed too. The grid-tie system will have an inverter | | | | generator system. The generator would be a portable |
| that changes the DC current into the purest sine-wave | | | | generator powered by diesel, propane or gasoline. |
| AC electricity so that it will mesh with the utility grid. | | | | Provided you have a reliable supply of these fossil |
| Thus there is a seamless connection between the | | | | fuels then this hybrid system is probably more reliable |
| solar and grid electricity. | | | | than the solar/wind option. |
| When there is no sun or the solar panels do not have | | | | Again, it depends on how much time or money you |
| the capacity to supply the building then the grid supplied | | | | have but to have as many contingencies to your solar |
| electricity can fill the gap. Thus there is usually no need | | | | power system is the best way to go as you can't |
| for batteries which makes this system cleaner and | | | | always rely on the sun. So why not have a solar/wind |
| easier to operate. It also means that electricity can be | | | | generator system. This would be more complex to |
| transported to the power station and used elsewhere. | | | | operate but would cover your energy needs no |
| Eventually, as people become more experienced with | | | | matter what type of weather you experienced. |
| solar power they will move towards a completely | | | | |