In this Canstar Blue guide, we explain what an off-grid solar system is, how it works and what to consider before getting one.
If you’ve been researching renewable energy technologies for your home, such as rooftop solar, then there is a good chance that you’ve come across the phrase ‘off-grid power’.
Recent leaps in small-scale solar generation and storage technologies have made it possible for households to self-generate a large portion of their energy usage. But, while it might seem like a wonderful idea to exit the grid and become your own electricity provider, it’s not always that simple. Creating a self-sufficient property requires a large investment, so there’s a lot to consider before making any bold decisions.
In this Canstar Blue guide, we take a look at how off-grid solar systems work to power homes in Australia. We also discuss the potential benefits, downfalls and costs of this alternative energy source.
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What is an off-grid solar system?
An off-grid solar system is an alternative energy generation technology that allows a household or business to operate their electrical appliances without the need for a connection to the electricity grid.
Regular solar systems operate with a connection to the grid for exporting solar energy or receiving additional energy supply when solar energy may be exhausted. However, off-grid solar systems operate with storage hardware and back-up generation in order to run completely self-sustained from the electricity grid.
How does an off-grid solar system work?
Off-grid solar systems work by utilising back-up power generation and sunlight to manage the entirety of a property’s energy usage, without need for connection to the electricity grid.
A typical off-grid solar system may contain the following devices to help manage the electricity production:
- Solar panels: use sunlight to activate solar cells and produce an electrical current.
- Solar battery: stores the electrical current given from the solar panel until needed for use at the property.
- Solar inverter: converts the electrical current (DC) sourced either directly from the solar panels or from the solar battery storage into usable electricity (AC) for appliances and devices at the property.
- Charge controller: regulates the electricity flow from the solar panels to solar batteries to ensure devices aren’t under or overcharged.
- Back-up generator: used when solar energy is exhausted to help keep devices and appliances running. These generators are usually powered by fossil fuels as opposed to renewable energy, such as diesel.
When sunlight is present, an off-grid system will work to power the devices and appliances at a property and charge its batteries for later use. In the evenings or when the sun is absent, it will then rely on the energy stored in its batteries to power these devices. In the event that all solar energy is exhausted, back-up power generation, such as fuel-powered technology, may be required to keep everything in operation until the solar energy is restored.
Off-grid power systems are typically installed and designed to accommodate a household’s or business’ potential and expected load of electricity consumption each day. When installing an off-grid solar system, it is important to take these figures into consideration in order to ensure there is enough electricity supply for all the devices and appliances needed.
This is where it is vital to seek assistance from a licensed professional before making any off-grid solar installations to your property, as they can help to calculate these figures with you.
How much does it cost to run an off-grid solar system?
Off-grid solar system costs will vary depending on the hardware used, number of devices needed and installation fees. However, for a rough estimate, you could expect a decent off-grid solar system to cost you upwards of $25,000-$30,000.
You’ll likely find that off-grid solar system costs are significantly more expensive than the cost of a standard residential solar system because these systems require several more components than a grid-connected system. All components also need to be able to support off-grid functionality which can be a costly feature to add.
Staying grid-connected? Compare solar plans now
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
What should I consider before getting an off-grid solar system?
Off-grid solar systems can be a great way to access electricity without relying on the grid. However, before installing an off-grid solar system yourself, you should consider whether your household or business has the capacity to support self-sustaining energy usage. Some of these considerations include:
- Location: if you aren’t in an abundantly sunny area then it may not be financially beneficial to install an off-grid solar system.
- Appliances and devices needed: it will help to take note of just how much you’ll need to power with your off-grid system first before jumping ahead to installation, as this will significantly impact the size and cost of your system.
- Costs and savings: off-grid solar systems are not the cheapest devices to install so understanding whether there will be a savings benefit to your off-grid power usage should also be a deciding factor.
- Access to back-up power generation: solar energy isn’t always going to be abundantly available. This is where back-up power options will be key to keeping the lights on and appliances running.
If you live rurally or out of reach from any nearby electricity networks, an off-grid solar system could be a helpful alternative to accessing energy at your property. Alternatively, if you are looking for additional support during blackouts then an off-grid solar system may also be able to assist in some capacity.
For the average, everyday Aussie however, going completely off-grid with a solar system may prove a costly and painful process if not undertaken correctly. A cheaper and easier way to start small could be by installing just one off-grid compatible solar battery and testing the waters there first, before ditching the grid completely.
If you are in the market for any kind of off-grid solar system, or would just like to talk to an expert about your off-grid solar options then be sure to check out our solar installer ratings below. Here, we list the companies that Aussie solar customers have rated top notch for service, installation process, cost and overall satisfaction.
Original reporting by Dean Heckscher
Image Source: Halfpoint/Shutterstock.com
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