Knowing When It Is Time To Move Off-Grid

View PDF | Print View
by: Dale Green
Total views: 0
Word Count: 595
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 Time: 8:03 AM
0 comments

A stand-alone off-grid system is any type of renewable electricity system that is completely independent of the utility grid. Although this may sound like a dream come true, collecting all of the actual facts can help you to determine whether this is the best move for you.

Setting up an off-grid system means you are going to generate your own supply of electricity apart from the utility grid. You will no longer use the services and utility as provided by the utility grid. In case you lose electrical power due to malfunctions, you yourself will be the one to resolve it because you no longer have the access to the services provided by the utility company.

You are probably saving money from utility expenses. If this is your reason for deciding to move to off-grid system, then, make up your mind once again. Using an off-grid system to generate electricity and store it for future use will also cost you more money. Higher initial investment is the first thing to consider when deciding to move off-grid. With off-grid systems, large battery where the electricity will be stored and a generator machine are needed.

Your budget for this energy system should be higher because you will definitely spend thousands of dollars for the initial costs of setting the system up. With all these expenses, you would naturally expect that the system will work efficiently but there are times the system fails. And since this is powered by solar energy, it will operate while the sun is at its peak. That's why it needs a battery bank where the energy can be stored.

Depending on renewable energy doesn't always go as planned if you are counting on the sun or the wind. You will need a backup generator that runs on petroleum and is very noisy and smelly. Many times you will not have enough power to operate certain appliances because the power is not 'on-demand' when you need it.

Aside from the expenses and the limitations of the system, you also have to consider the maintenance and labor to be applied in going off-grid. Your independence will require you to gain knowledge about the mechanics of the system in case some problems arise. Instead of hiring someone to do the necessary maintenance for your system, you will save more if you know how to do it yourself.

Being independent with your electricity system is not impossible, especially if you have the capacity to be so. But if your sources are limited and you are not yet stable in handling related problems and expenses regarding the system, might as well think of it first. While you are still on the stage of learning more about the system, it is good to stay grid-tied while installing your own off-grid system so you have an available back-up when your system fails.

To those who are just starting the use of renewable fuel for daily electricity, it is best to use grid-tied system. You will not need a backup battery, your inverter is already connected to the grid, and the unconsumed energy will return to the grid. When you are ready to shoulder the costs of the off-grid system, then that's the time you can move on. Perhaps the cost of the system is not that high anymore.

About the Author

Learn How to build a wind generator if you watch this video on How to build a wind generator by clicking on this link.

Comments

Add Comment