The term off-grid refers to not being connected to a grid, mainly used in terms of not being connected to the main or national electrical grid. In electricity, off-grid can be stand-alone systems (SHS) or mini-grids typically to provide a smaller community with electricity.

1. The term off-grid refers to not being connected to a grid, mainly used
in terms of not being connected to the main or national electrical grid.
In electricity, off-grid can be stand-alone systems (SHS) or mini-grids
typically to provide a smaller community with electricity.
SOLAR OFF GRID

2. Why use off grid?
use off grid?
 Off-grid (stand alone) solar electric systems
are used in remote locations where connecting
to the local utility grid is impossible or
prohibitively expensive, in areas where grid
power is inconsistent, or due to the appeal of
an independent lifestyle.
 With an off-the-grid system, solar panels, a
small wind turbine, a micro-hydro system, or a
combination of these technologies can work
efficiently.

3. ADVANTAGES
 Off-grid solar, wind and micro-hydro allow you to live
independent from utility power, and/or off the beaten
path. A well designed off grid system helps reduce
carbon footprint in the environment.
DISADVANTAGES
 It is generally not cost effective or feasible to install a
renewable energy system large enough to provide power
for things like electric heat, air-conditioning, electric
cooking or electric hot water.

4. Determining how much power your solar
PV system needs to produce for off-the-grid
living is similar to sizing a grid-tie solar
system, except that there is no utility bill to
refer to for historic usage. So the first step
is to make a list of all the items you plan to
power in your off-grid home.
POWER NEEDED

5. OFF GRID APPLICATIONS
Remote homes and cabins, water
pumping systems, livestock
watering, telecommunications,
RV's, boats, sign lighting and traffic
warning lights are just some of the
places off grid solar and renewable
energy are utilized.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT
 The State of California is encouraging solar
and wind power generation that is connected
to the electrical grid to avoid the use of toxic
lead acid batteries for night time storage.
 Grid-tie systems are generally less expensive
than off-grid systems due to the lack of
additional equipment like charge controllers
and the batteries. However, some systems
may mitigate this difference by using old car
batteries that can no longer supply enough
current to start a car.