Off Grid Solar
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OFF GRID SOLAR
Free yourself from the tyranny of the utility companies!
Design
Installation
Interconnection
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How does Off-Grid Solar work?
In the world of renewable energy power, it’s often feast or famine.
When using solar modules (panels) the sun is where the energy comes from. Using refined silicon and some “simple” chemical technology we can turn that energy into electrical energy.
Unfortunately, not every day is a sunny day and there’s always night to account for, so we need to plan ahead and save the power we’ve produced for when we need it most.
To deal with this we use batteries to store our excess for times of scarcity. By adding batteries to our solar or renewable energy system we can safely and efficiently store this power for days.
Using batteries for storage does add a level of complexity to the system; batteries require specific charging parameters as well as maintenance to achieve their top life expectancy.
We use charge controllers to regulate charging from the solar modules and a battery based inverter/ charger to provide constant power to the load (home or business). Combine this with all the wire, breakers and fuses to make it safe, put in a battery monitor like the Trimetric, and we are off to the races.
Of course, not every application needs batteries!
If you only need power when the sun is out – say, for running fans when the sun shines, or using a pump to fill a tank or pond – you can always go solar direct.
(And if you’re not sure what any of that means, don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!)
Want to know more about Off-Grid system components? Check out the following resources;
How does Off-Grid Solar work?
In the world of renewable energy power, it’s often feast or famine.
When using solar modules (panels) the sun is where the energy comes from. Using refined silicon and some “simple” chemical technology we can turn that energy into electrical energy.
Unfortunately, not every day is a sunny day and there’s always night to account for, so we need to plan ahead and save the power we’ve produced for when we need it most.
To deal with this we use batteries to store our excess for times of scarcity. By adding batteries to our solar or renewable energy system we can safely and efficiently store this power for days.
Using batteries for storage does add a level of complexity to the system; batteries require specific charging parameters as well as maintenance to achieve their top life expectancy.
We use charge controllers to regulate charging from the solar modules and a battery based inverter/ charger to provide constant power to the load (home or business). Combine this with all the wire, breakers and fuses to make it safe, put in a battery monitor like the Trimetric, and we are off to the races.
Of course, not every application needs batteries!
If you only need power when the sun is out – say, for running fans when the sun shines, or using a pump to fill a tank or pond – you can always go solar direct.
(And if you’re not sure what any of that means, don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!)
Want to know more about Off-Grid system components? Check out the following resources;
Successful Off-Grid Living
Include that background with hundreds of off grid power system installations and you can be sure we know what it is like to live off grid.
Here is a list of things it is important to remember when living, building, or working off grid.
Efficiency is Key:
In the off-grid world we have to produce every unit of energy we consume. It is cheaper and easier to save power than to make it. To that end choosing super efficient appliances and lighting will save you money and hassle in the long run even if it is more costly in the short term.
Look for energy star appliances and LED lighting. Avoid Electric Stoves and heaters, as well as AC units (unless you plan on building a large renewable energy system). Instead, choose propane or natural gas and swamp coolers when applicable.
Successful Off-Grid Living
Include that background with hundreds of off grid power system installations and you can be sure we know what it is like to live off grid.
Here is a list of things it is important to remember when living, building, or working off grid.
Efficiency is Key:
In the off-grid world we have to produce every unit of energy we consume. It is cheaper and easier to save power than to make it. To that end choosing super efficient appliances and lighting will save you money and hassle in the long run even if it is more costly in the short term.
Look for energy star appliances and LED lighting. Avoid Electric Stoves and heaters, as well as AC units (unless you plan on building a large renewable energy system). Instead, choose propane or natural gas and swamp coolers when applicable.
This means leaving space for a larger battery bank, another inverter, more solar panels, etc. Please don’t put your power system in a crawl space or under a deck!
Off grid power systems need servicing and maintenance. It is less likely that you will water your batteries if you have to crawl under the house to do it. In fact, if possible build a freestanding power shed to house your off grid batteries and inverter – ideally with drive-up access as batteries and inverters are heavy and difficult to move.
If you are going to have a back up generator, choose one with remote start capabilities, that way you can use an Auto Generator Start (AGS) module to start and stop the generator when the batteries need extra power. This will enable you to make sure the generator will only run when needed, preventing your batteries from over discharging and causing them harm.
Include a battery monitor that will be mounted in your living space so you know what is happening with your system from the comfort of your couch. That way you can smile and relax while watching the sun, wind, or water fill your batteries! These units can also tell you how much power you are using with just a glance.
OFF-GRID-SOLAR
Other Off-Grid Considerations
Greenwired offers many different lines of solar direct water pumping options to fit your needs. With the use of solar direct water pumping, when the sun shines the water flows uphill. From surface pumps, pressure booster pumps, to submersible pumps Greenwired has your solar water pumping needs covered. Some of these pumps can also be used with standard AC (Gen. or Grid) power as a backup as well, giving us the ability to pump water for emergencies when the sun is not shining. Let the sun pump your water, no more noisy gas pumps or expensive power bills, just clean, quiet, flowing water.
By using the land’s natural topography we can install a penstock (pipe) that follows the run-of-the river to create pressurized water, we then use this to spin a turbine creating electricity and then return the water to the stream or river. If you are lucky enough to have a strong running water source flowing downhill, you will likely have clean power available as long as the water flows.
Greenwired carries a large selection of micro hydro systems. From instream intakes and pipe to turbines and controllers, Greenwired is your one stop shop for micro hydro equipment, design, and installation.
PAYING FOR YOUR SYSTEM
Purchase your system upfront:
You also get a federal tax credit equal to 26% of the cost of the system for any system installed before the end of 2022. The tax credit drops to 22% for systems installed in 2023. Return on investment (ROI) for a system calculated at 25 years can range from 8 to 12% (ROI varies depending on customer).
Finance your solar system:
You still get the 26% federal tax credit applied to your income taxes, and you receive a return on investment (ROI) for a system calculated at 25 years, that can range from 8 to 12% (ROI varies depending on customer).