While an ‘action energy plan’ is finally in the works for South Africa, load shedding will still be an ongoing challenge for citizens and businesses for the foreseeable future. Add in the global challenge of a climate crisis, and renewable energy is the obvious solution. Solar power remains the most cost-effective and attractive renewable power solution in a country with so many sunny days, but the big question that is often asked is: Do I go with on-grid or off-grid solar? Here’s a look at the differences and what an off-grid option will mean for you.
What is on-grid solar?
Also known as grid-tie solar systems, these are commonly used in schools and businesses as they don’t utilize batteries. They’re a preferable option for daytime consumption, where a public electricity grid is available as they connect to the grid for when there’s insufficient solar energy to power devices.
What is off-grid solar?
Unlike the grid-tie solar system, True off-grid systems are not connected to the electricity grid which means they require some form of battery storage or generator to generate electricity when there isn’t enough solar power. While the costs of battery systems are decreasing, it’s still an additional cost which makes off-grid solar an expensive option for those located in rural areas without access to the grid.
What components are needed for off-grid solar?
If you’re considering installing an off-grid solar power system, these are some of the components you’re going to need to buy for a fully functional system.
- Solar panels: Pholtovoltaic (PV) panels convert the energy from sunlight into electricity and come in three main types – monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. These are mounted on a solar panel structure or the roof for best access to sunshine.
- Charge controller: This manages the energy flow between your solar panels and the battery. These prevent the battery system from overcharging and also prevent reverse current flow from batteries to the panels. Charge controllers are available as MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).
- Inverters: These convert the DC energy in the battery bank into AC electricity to run your appliances.
- Batteries: The battery systems will store excess energy for use when there’s insufficient solar power. There are a variety of battery types on the market, but the two primary chemistries are the lead-acid deep-cycle battery and the lithium battery.
What are the benefits of off-grid solar?
It’s really best to consult with energy experts before you decide on going off-grid or on-grid solar, but to give you a bit of background, here are some of the advantages of off-grid solar systems.
1. Complete freedom
Eskom’s daily alerts about what stage of load shedding we’re on – no longer your problem! You’ll be completely untethered from the national grid and all it’s challenges, freeing you up to plan your life accordingly.
2. Energy-conscious action
People who go off the grid are much more conscious of their daily energy use, and adopt more conservative consumption habits as a result. You’re more informed about the intricacies of electrical production, what appliances use the most energy, and how you can save it.
3. Environmentally beneficial
Grid-tied systems are still contributing to the noxious coal plants that are destroying the environment. When you go with off-grid solar, you’re drastically reducing your carbon footprint and playing a vital role in improving the health of the planet.
4. It can be cost-effective
For those reside in far-flung areas, reliance on generators and the expense fuel required is not a feasible option. This is where an off-grid solution is actually really cost-effective.
What should you consider when going off-grid?
If you’re leaning towards the off-grid solar system, then you’ll first need to do a full assessment of your household or business power requirements before understanding the costs involved. Here’s a look at the considerations:
- The available space: You’re going to need a substantial amount of solar panels as well as batteries, so you’ll need to assess the space you have available for storage and mounting.
- Your appliances: Consider how much power your existing appliances are using because it might be worth replacing them with more energy-efficient ones as well as gas-powered cooking devices.
- Your lighting: You’ll need to convert to LED light bulbs if you’re going solar as this reduces the consumption of electricity drastically.
- Maintenance costs: Remember that the price of off-grid solar power isn’t once-off. As with any equipment, it will require maintenance which must be factored into the cost.
Going solar is the right decision but you might need some assistance in which system is best for you. Consult with energy providers, JUP Solutions, to find out how to get off the grid quickly and easily.
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