TGR is helping several properties with the installation process thanks to its more than ten years of experience in the design and construction of off-grid solar systems.
Off-grid solar systems demand a high level of expertise, as well as knowledge of the client's requirements. Our systems are tailored to each customer's needs because every project is unique. TGR ensures that every system will operate perfectly by doing everything correctly from the beginning.
A solar power system that is improperly constructed can lead to a variety of issues for both the installer and the end-user. Without using the correct formulas and values, many systems are merely put together using "kits" or other readily available components. Unfortunately, by the time these mistakes are discovered, the majority of systems have already been set up.
You may learn more about how off-grid solar systems work by reading the information below. This will enable you to evaluate our quote in comparison to others.
An off-grid solar system is what?
Off-grid systems sometimes referred to as standalone solar systems, can either directly replace expensive or unreliable grid power or offer grid-like electricity in locations where grid power is not available. Ground- or roof-mounted solar panels, a battery to store energy, a built-in backup generator, and an inverter/charger to serve as an interface between the various inputs are all components of off-grid solar systems.
TGR has the ability to develop systems that supply energy for everything from powering a refrigerator and TV to supplying an entire island or outlying settlement with electricity.
Typically, a diesel generator is incorporated into bigger systems to assist during periods of high demand or as an emergency backup during bad weather. Other renewable sources, like wind or hydro, can be added if the environment allows them.
Modern off-grid technology is much simpler to maintain than older systems because it can be managed and monitored online. High-quality power is also produced by modern off-grid technologies. The lifespan of your appliances and machinery will be increased by this power quality, which is frequently superior to standard grid electricity.
Remote and automated systems
We refer to off-grid solar systems that are automated and remote as "true hybrids". They don't require maintenance and can automatically turn on backup generators or pumps when needed.
Off-grid solar systems: autonomy
When constructing an off-grid system, experts advise having at least 1.5 to 2 days of autonomy in your battery bank. Only if a backup generator is present. If there is no generator, the "autonomy time" should be increased to two to three days.
The average daily usage periods are referred to as the autonomy time. It implies that you won't need a generator to keep using all of your appliances even when there is little or no sun during bad weather.
The size of your battery bank can be determined by calculating your daily kWh use by the number of days you want to be independent.
If your weekly energy consumption is 10 kWh and you need 2 days of autonomy, you will require a battery bank of 20 kWh.
Batteries
Modern Gel and AGM batteries are very effective and may be recharged with either water or acid. A pricey, high-performance alternative to conventional energy storage that is quickly gaining acceptance worldwide is the lithium-ion battery.
The amount of kWh you can draw from your batteries before they reach a specific stage of discharge is known as the battery bank's useable storage. How long your batteries can endure before losing power is primarily based on the DOD (depth of discharge). The suggested DOD level is 30–40%, which implies that we only remove 30–40% of the total energy contained in your batteries.
For instance, VRLA battery banks, proven battery chemistry in off grid storage applications, are sealed, require less maintenance than wet cell batteries, and offer greater charge current handling, cheaper installation costs, and high recharge efficiency.
VRLA battery banks have shown to endure up to 15 years when used with a reliable brand, proper size, appropriate housing, and effective battery management. The VRLA batteries continue to be the best option for off-grid applications because of their high autonomy (backup storage required during times of low energy input or higher demand).
By employing a superior battery management system and charger, the battery bank's life cycle and overall health would be improved. If necessary, we can design methods that will cut the cost of the battery by up to half.
THE C-RATING
THE C RATING
We also wish to discuss a battery bank's "C" grade. The C rating refers to a battery's overall amperage storage capacity. Batteries often have a C100 rating as a standard. Only after the battery has been drained for more than 100 hours is the C100 rating relevant. In an off-grid setting, this would not be applicable. The appropriate grade is C10 (discharge rate greater than 10 hours).
The more quickly batteries are discharged, the less energy they can store. Therefore, it is essential to calculate storage using the correct "C" rating.
It is standard practice in the industry to allow at least a 10% loss when converting from AC (alternating current), which is used in houses, to DC (direct current), and vice versa.
When building off-grid systems, many solar companies fail to take conversion losses and the proper "C" rating into account. It's possible that this reduces the maximum value of the plan and makes it more ambitious by giving the battery bank the appearance of being smaller.
COUPLED SYSTEMS FOR AC/DC
COUPLED SYSTEMS FOR AC/DC
Depending on how much study you have done on off-grid solar systems, you may not be aware of the distinctions between AC and DC-connected systems. A DC-coupled system is one in which the battery receives its power directly from the panels after passing through an MPPT charger controller. The battery is connected to an AC inverter. When needed, it draws 240v AC power from the bank of stored energy.
An AC inverter, which is essentially identical to a typical grid-connected inverter, is a component of AC-coupled systems. Through this, solar panel DC power will be transformed into AC power. Without the need for batteries, it will directly handle all of the electrical loads in the house or office. The battery is used much less as a result.
The batteries are charged and subsequently discharged using a bi-directional charger, commonly referred to as an inverter-charger (such as the Selectronic SPPRO). This bi-directional charger manages the entire off-grid system in addition to controlling the AC inverters. Depending on how it is configured, it can start or stop the generator automatically.
Since the battery bank is not necessary before sending power to the system, AC-linked systems have smaller conversion losses. The system might be powered at night by the battery bank.
A DC-coupled solar system minimizes conversion losses by charging the batteries directly with energy.
In order to maximize the effectiveness of both, we frequently pair AC inverters and DC chargers. The AC side charges your load during the day with low loss, while the DC side efficiently charges the batteries at night. With a gain of more than 10%, this is one of TGR main competitive advantages.
WHAT DOES OFF-GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS DO?
Our go-to tools for off-grid projects
Equipment from the North American manufacturer OutBack Power is renowned for its dependability in challenging conditions. It works best for less powerful systems up to 5kW. Australia produces electronic goods for larger off-grid systems. We frequently employ Imark MPPT Chargers and Shunt Regulators in our off-grid setups. They are produced in Brisbane and Melbourne. We have personally experienced this component's amazing performance and quality.