Off-Grid Solar System
Demand for solar panels over the past few years has been increasing rapidly in Pakistan and the off-grid solar system is more economical than ever after the discovery of Tubular Batteries. The second name of this solar system is “Stand Alone Power System (SAPS)”. These solar systems are the best resource of renewable energy for remote areas where electricity is not available or available for a limited time only.
An off-grid system is sustainable, flexible, and innovative for those whose home is far away from the main electric grid station as an this solar system is not connected to the main electric grid directly because it produces its own renewable energy through solar panels and stores it in batteries or other appliances for backup use. If you want to produce your independent electricity by installing solar panels then, this is the best solution for you! Let’s deep dive to know more about the off-grid system!
What is an Off-Grid Solar System?
An off-grid system is based on the battery system where the battery is connected to a solar system. The capacity of the batteries depends upon the requirement for electricity storage. These batteries can restore the extra power produced by the solar system. This solar system does not offer a net-metering facility because no connection is linked between the solar system and the main electric grid. As this solar system does not establish a direct connection to the electric grid, this solar system does not offer net metering feature because this solar system needs some components to run efficiently.
We will now discuss the components of an off-grid system, let’s explore all the components one by one;
Solar Plates
Solar plates are the main part of any solar system and without the solar plates, solar systems cannot be completed. Solar panels transform the sunlight into DC when sunlight falls to solar plates.
Battery
A battery is the second main component in an off-grid system as it restores the extra electricity produced by an off-grid system during its peak hours in the sunlight. Battery is adjusted to perform in the absence of sunlight especially at night and during cloudy weather.
Battery Charge Controller
A battery charge controller is a digital device that is responsible for controlling the electricity flow from solar plates to batteries and prevents batteries from overcharging as overcharging can reduce the battery performance.
Solar Inverter
Solar plate generates electricity in direct current (DC). As the household appliances run on the alternating current, the inverter converts the solar power into an alternating current.
Monitoring & Communication System
A monitoring and communication system is installed to track the performance and condition of an off-grid system. Users can also make adjustments according to the requirements through monitoring and communication systems.
Power Generator
The power generator is the optional component of an off-grid system because it can be used in the prolonged foggy weather in the winter season where the sunlight remains invisible for many days. It is not compulsory and is up to the user if he wants to buy the generator.
Benefits of an Off-Grid System:
Electricity Bills to Zero
An off-grid system provides you the hassle-free electricity without charging any high amount on a monthly basis because it is not connected with the electric grid station which is its popular feature.
Generate Enough Power
An off-grid system produces enough electricity to power the household appliances and restores the extra power produced by the solar system.
Electricity Independency
An off-grid system is independent from the electric grid station as it restores the electricity directly to batteries. In case of outage or bad weather, batteries are used to power the household appliances.
Carbon Saving
An off-grid system enables you to play a vital role in maintaining a hygienic environment as it provides you with a pollution-free environment with its renewable energy resources. It reduces the carbon wastage.
How does an off-grid system operate?
The photovoltaic (PV) cells produce electricity when sunlight visible to the panels. The silicon electrons get charged and start moving in the circuit resulting in producing the direct current (DC). After that, direct current is transferred to the Inverter for converting in alternating current (AC).
Current Transformation
The solar panels generate the direct current and the inverter works to convert the direct current to the alternating current with the capacity of 240V. The inverter provides the alternating current to the household appliances.
Storage of Extra Power
The electricity produced by solar plates is stored in the solar batteries to have energy backup. An off-grid system should be designed by keeping in mind the winter season and other circumstances where sunlight is not visible.
Parts of an Off-Grid System:
An off-grid system can be installed by using the following variety of parts;
Off-Grid Solar System Price in Pakistan:
The price of this solar system in Pakistan depends upon the cost of solar batteries, solar inverters, quality of solar panels, labor charges, etc. The size and capacity of solar panels is also crucial. An off-grid system can be costly due to the high price of solar batteries and solar inverters in Pakistan. This solar system is one of the most popular solar systems in Pakistan due to its functionality, reliability, and flexibility, especially in remote areas where the electric grid is far away from the home.
An off-grid solar system that can operate lights, fans, and a TV can cost you between Rs. 120,000 to Rs. 150,000. Similarly, a bigger system that can operate additional appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, etc. can cost you expensive. For example, an off-grid 10 kW solar system price in Pakistan will be cheaper than a 15 kW solar system price in Pakistan. Similarly, an off-grid 25 kW solar system price in Pakistan will be expensive than 20 kW solar system price in Pakistan. However, the cost may vary depending on the number of appliances you want to operate on the solar system.
Most Powerful Off-Grid Solar System:
Following solar systems are considered as most power solar systems in off-grid solar model. These solar systems have large energy producing capacity and can maintain a strong power backup as well.
Conclusion:
An off-grid system is the best energy solution for those who live in the remote area and their premises are far away from the electric grid station as this solar system doesn’t require a grid connection. They can also use flexible solar panels in that area.
This solar system provides you the ease by developing a strong power backup in batteries that you can use during nighttime. It provides you with a greener and cleaner environment as it prevents the carbon footprint. This system can cost you from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 600,000 subject to the number of appliances you want to operate on this solar system. However, the cost of the batteries can make this solar system pricey!
