Planning for Off Grid

When planning for off grid, many variables must be taken into consideration:

  • Equipment location – Off grid solar requires many components and each component requires a specific location.
  • Solar Modules – Solar modules need a bright, unobstructed area to best produce electricity. Common locations are the roof of a building and open fields.
  •  Battery Banks – Batteries need to be stored in nonvolatile temperature conditions. Conditioned spaces and insulated areas are best suited to optimize the use of batteries. Insulated Battery cases are also available when there is no room in structures.
  • Off grid equipment – Off grid equipment consists of Inverters, charge controllers, and switchgear. Some Inverters and charge controllers may need to be placed indoors. Off grid equipment should also be in close proximity to the battery bank to reduce voltage drop.
  • Voltage Types – Different applications call for different types of voltages:
    • Residential – 120v circuits are the most common in residential homes. If 240v loads are specified then a 120/240v system can be designed.
    • Commercial – 120v, 120/240v, and 120/208v systems are most common. Higher voltages can be provided as well.
    • Industrial – 3 phase voltages can be provided. Transformers can be provided to me a special request.
  • Peak Demand – The peak demand is the maximum amount of power provided at any give moment. You do necessarily need to add up all of your loads. For example, an air conditioner unit may not be on at the same time as an electric furnace. If you plan on having a tight control on the loads, now is the time to disclose this so we can help design a custom system that meets your conservative needs. Money can be saved if less loads are used at the same time.
  • Daily Usage – What are your daily load usage patterns? How long do you use your lights? What temperature do you keep your thermostat set at? How often do your pumps turn on? These are the types of questions that need to be answered to design the perfect off grid system.
  • Design Characteristics – Efficiency of all loads should be prioritized to reduce the cost of your off grid solar system. The following efforts should be made:
    • Efficient Equipment – Business’ will require specific equipment for their focus and specialization. When available, efficient equipment should take preference over their comparable alternatives.
    • HVAC – Efficient air conditioner equipment should be used. Electric heat is a burden on battery banks and should be avoided.
    • Gas Heat – Gas should be considered for all heating applications. This includes water heaters, furnaces, and cooking appliances.
    • Efficient Lighting – LED and CFL bulbs should be used instead of the conventional incandescent type bulb.
    • Appliances – Energy star rated appliances are recommended.
    • Insulation – High R-Value Insulation should be utilized to reduce the demand for Air Conditioning in the home.
    • Windows – Look for windows that have a low U-Value and tint. Avoid placing windows that get year-round southern exposure. Extended eaves can sometimes be used to allow for shade during the summer and heat during the winter.
    • Pumps – When available, high efficiency pumps should be utilized for water, irrigation, and septic equipment.