Off-Grid Solar Kits
Off-Grid Solar Kits: Power Your Life Off the Grid
Off-Grid Solar: Power Your Life, Wherever It Takes You
SolarTown's off-grid solar systems are built to withstand the challenges of life away from the power grid. With solar panels to turn sunlight into energy, and batteries to store that energy locally, these systems completely bypass the need to connect to the utility grid.
These fully self-sufficient systems are able to generate, store, and cycle power indefinitely, making them perfect for plenty of remote applications, including cabins, industrial worksites, RVs, boats, vacation homes, and full-time off-grid homesteads.
Off-Grid Solar Kit Components
Here's what's included in our off-grid solar kits:
Solar Panels
Solar panels absorb sunlight to convert into electricity. Most home solar kits use traditional monocrystalline solar panels. While bulky and rigid, they are the most efficient and cost-effective option available, and they can be made to fit on most rooftops.
If you have limited space to build your array, consider solar panels with a high efficiency rating (20%+), which can fit more solar production into a smaller form factor.
Batteries
Our off-grid kits come packaged with a battery bank that is appropriately sized to store and cycle the charge generated by your panels. Most kits use lithium batteries because they simply offer the best cost per storage capacity, highest performance, and lowest maintenance requirements of all batteries on the market today.
The biggest challenge for off-grid solar systems is sizing your battery bank to fit your application. Vacation homes will require different solutions than full-time residences, for example, and local climate can play a huge part in determining whether you need more storage capacity to weather long storms.
If you get stuck sizing your battery bank, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for help with the design process. Our team has plenty of experience in this area and can help navigate the challenges that are unique to designing off-grid systems.
Inverters
Commonly described as the "brain" of the solar power system, inverters convert DC (direct current) energy from panels into AC (alternating current) energy, which can be used to power your home appliances.
There are two main types: microinverters, which attach a small inverter to each panel, and string inverters, a centralized inverter which controls multiple panels. String inverters tend to be more cost effective, while microinverters make systems more reliable and easy to expand.
Inverters are typically specialized for either grid-tied or off-grid applications, though lately there's been an increase in hybrid inverters that work in either application. All kits are packaged with the proper inverter for their application.
Racking Materials
Our solar kits include the racking hardware needed to secure the system to its foundation, whether you're installing solar panels on your roof or building a dedicated ground mount.
Please note that ground mounts will require a separate sub-structure to be built as a foundation for the solar array, and the components needed to build this foundation are not included in our kits. You will need to source the materials for pipes, concrete footings, etc. from a local hardware store. Please consult with a member of our design team if you are working on a ground mount project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Kits
A: An offgrid solar kit is a self-contained system that includes all the necessary components to generate, store, and distribute electricity from the sun. It typically includes solar panels, a battery bank, charge controller, inverter, and any necessary cables or connectors.
A: Offgrid solar kits are a great solution for those who live in remote areas where traditional grid power is not available or unreliable. They can also be a cost-effective alternative to connecting to the grid, especially in areas with high electricity costs.
A: The size of your offgrid solar kit will depend on your electricity needs. You should consider the amount of power you use daily, the number of appliances you need to power, and the length of time you will be off the grid. It's recommended to consult with a professional to ensure that you get the right size system for your needs.
A: Offgrid solar kits require minimal maintenance. It's important to keep the solar panels clean and free of debris to ensure they're operating at peak efficiency. The battery bank may require occasional maintenance, such as checking the water levels and ensuring proper ventilation.
A: Yes, most offgrid solar kits are designed to be expandable. You can add more solar panels or other components to your system as your needs change or your budget allows. To expand a battery bank, you must start with a lithium ion battery and only expand as per manufacturer guidelines. Traditional lead-acid battery banks cannot be expanded over time, and therefore must be sized to account for future needs.
A: Offgrid solar kits are designed to last for many years, with the solar panels typically having a lifespan of 25-30 years. The battery bank will need to be replaced eventually, with a lifespan of 5-15 years depending on the type of battery and usage.
A: Yes, offgrid solar kits are designed to provide backup power during a power outage. However, it's important to ensure that your system is properly sized to meet your needs during an outage and that you have a plan for powering essential appliances and devices.
Got Questions? Talk to Us.
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