Off Grid/Hybrid
OFF GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS
Hybrid Solar Systems
Hybrid Solar Systems
Hybrid solar systems combines the best from grid-tied and off-grid solar systems. These systems can either be described as off-grid solar with electricity backup power, or grid-tied solar with extra battery storage.
If you own a grid-tied solar system and drive a vehicle that runs on electricity, you already kind of have a hybrid setup. The electrical vehicle is really just a battery with wheels.
Advantages of Hybrid Solar Systems
1. LESS EXPENSIVE THAN OFF-GIRD SOLAR SYSTEMS
Hybrid solar systems are less expensive than off-grid solar systems. You don`t really need a backup generator, and the capacity of your battery bank can be downsized. Off-peak electricity from the electricity company is cheaper than diesel.
2. SMART SOLAR HOLDS A LOT OF PROMISE
The introduction of hybrid solar systems has opened up for many interesting innovations. New inverters let homeowners take advantage of changes in the electricity rates throughout the day.
Consequently, you can temporarily store whatever excess electricity your solar panels generate into charging batteries.
Smart solar holds a lot of promise. The concept will become increasingly important as we transition towards the smart grid in the coming years.
Equipment for Hybrid Solar Systems
Typical hybrid solar systems are based on the following additional components:
Charge Controller
Battery Bank
Battery-Based Grid-Tie Inverter
Power Meter
BATTERY-BASED GRID-TIE INVERTER
Hybrid solar systems utilise batter-based grid-tie inverters. These devices combine and can draw electrical power to and from battery banks, as well as synchronise with the electricity grid.
Off Grid Solar System
Off-Grid Solar Systems
An off-grid solar system (off-the-grid, standalone) is the obvious alternative to one that is grid-tied. For homeowners that have access to the grid, off-grid solar systems are usually out of the question. Here`s why:
To ensure access to electricity at all times, off-grid solar systems require battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off-the-grid).
Advantages of Off-Grid Solar Systems
1. NO ACCESS TO THE UTILITY GRID
Off-grid solar systems can be cheaper than extending power lines in certain remote areas.
2. BECOME ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENT
Living off the grid and being self-sufficient feels good. For some people, this feeling feeling is worth more than saving money. Energy self-sufficiency is also a form of security. Power failures on the utility grid do not affect off-grid solar systems.
On the flip side, batteries can only store a certain amount of energy, and during cloudy times, being connected to the grid is actually where the security is. You should install a backup generator to be prepared for these kinds of situations.
Equipment for Off-Grid Solar Systems
Typical off-grid solar systems require the following extra components:
Solar Charge Controller
Battery Bank
DC Disconnect (additional)
Off-Grid Inverter
Backup Generator (optional)
SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER
Solar charge controllers are also known as charge regulators or just battery regulators. The last term is probably the best to describe what this device actually does: Solar battery chargers limit the rate of current being delivered to the battery bank and protect the batteries from overcharging.
Good charge controllers are crucial for keeping the batteries healthy, which ensures the lifetime of a battery bank is maximised. If you have a battery-based inverter, chances are that the charge controller is integrated.
BATTERY BANK
Without a battery bank (or a generator) it’ll be lights out by sunset. A battery bank is essentially a group of batteries wired together.
DC DISCONNECT SWITCH
AC and DC safety disconnects are required for all solar systems. For off-grid solar systems, one additional DC disconnect is installed between the battery bank and the off-grid inverter. It is used to switch off the current flowing between these components. This is important for maintenance, troubleshooting and protection against electrical fires.
OFF-GRID INVERTER
There`s no need for an inverter if you`re only setting up solar panels for your boat, your RV, or something else that runs on DC current. You will need an inverter to convert DC to AC for all other electrical appliances.
Off-grid inverters do not have to match phase with the electricity sine wave as opposed to grid-tie inverters. Electrical current flows from the solar panels through the solar charge controller and the bank battery bank before it is finally converted into AC by the off-grid-inverter.
BACKUP GENERATOR
It takes a lot of money and big batteries to prepare for several consecutive days without the sun shining (or access to the grid). This is where backup generators come in.
In most cases, installing a backup generator that runs on diesel is a better choice than investing in an over-sized battery bank that seldom gets to operate at it`s full potential. Generators can run on propane, petrol and many other fuel types.
Backup generators typically output AC, which can be sent through the inverter for direct use, or it can be converted into DC for battery storage.
To discuss your needs with one of our Sales Consultants call 1300 937 624 today.
*Conditions apply, refer to Austel Power‘s Terms and Conditions. Final price quoted will be determined by cost of solar power system and installation, Solar Generation Unit (SGU) eligibility, STC ratings and postcode zones, assignment of STCs to Austel Power and full payment price at time of installation.Note: Content on this website is for the purpose of helping Austel Power‘s customers and potential customers only, it is provided in good faith and in no way constitutes any formal agreement or guarantees.Customers are encouraged to view Austel Power’s full Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement prior to entering into any contractual arrangements for solar power installation. Every attempt will be made to supply and install Solar Panels and Inverters from suppliers as promoted on this website, however if stocks are unavailable at time of installation we reserve the right to substitute products of equal quality and value.
Why Farmers Are Choosing Solar Power
Farmers across the country are discovering and enjoying the advantages of adding solar power. We’ve worked with farmers helping them realise the benefits and savings solar provides.
Here are some ways adding solar can help you and your farm:
- Drastically cut monthly energy bills now. Our systems are custom designed to meet your current electrical needs. Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) your solar system produces will offset one that you would have needed to otherwise purchase from your electricity company. That means more money remaining in the farm.
- Insulate yourself against rising energy costs in the future. Instead of remaining vulnerable to ever-increasing price of energy, solar provides farmers with a reliable, cost-effective energy solution.
- Increase the value of your property. Solar panels are a great investment into the long-term value and viability of your farm and provides financial benefits for years to come. Think of it as an investment in the future a brighter future for your family and your farm.
- Gain energy independence with power that pays you. Solar energy is a completely passive source of power and income: as long as the sun is shining, the panels are producing energy.
- Save money by using this free energy.
- No change in your current system. Our grid-connected solar panels integrate into your current electrical system seamlessly so in most cases there is no need for extensive or expensive modifications. We can install panels on the roof of sheds, livestock buildings, or homes, further utilising these surfaces for your benefit.
Off Grid Applications
Solar Makes More Economic Sense Now Than Ever Before
The days when solar power was the domain of survivalists and the super-rich are over. Going solar is more affordable and makes economic sense if you’re looking to save on, or even eliminate, your monthly electric bill. There are two main drivers for this incredible upward shift in solar power adoption.
TWO MAIN REASONS FOR THE SPIKE IN SOLAR POWER ADOPTION:
- Solar technology has advanced to the point where panels are mass-produced across the globe, increasing market competition and lowering prices for installers like us, who can pass on those savings to our customers. The price of solar has decreased 10-fold over the last 20 years — that’s like a car that cost $100,000 10 years ago that now would cost only $10,000.
- It’s an investment that saves you a lot of money and pays for itself in the long run. Solar customers can expect to pay off the cost of their system in a relatively short period of time.
Contact us now for your free assessment!!
Commercial Applications
Stabilise properties and secure reliable energy
Electricity costs are volatile, but we can assist you to secure low, predictable energy rates for up to 20 years. Lower energy costs using solar as an affordable solution and contribute to the economic viability of properties by reducing electricity costs.
Lower electricity bills
The best benefit of solar power is that it can dramatically lower your electric bill from day 1!!
In fact, a properly sized commercial solar power system may be able to offset around 70% of your electricity usage.
So, if you spent $1000 last quarter, you might save 70% or $700 each quarter. That’s a savings of $2800 per year.
With minimal usage at night and the bulk of your usage during they, why not generate your own power and make the extra money for your bottom line.
Greater Control Over Your Future
Commercial solar projects are an effective way to reduce business operating costs. Solar energy now competes with conventional energy sources, mainly due to the decreasing cost of solar panels and rising energy costs, this makes solar energy a very attractive option for businesses.
Austel Power’s energy consultants evaluate your site by considering individual building layouts, site conditions, assess shading issues and will design your renewable energy system accordingly for maximum energy output.
Installing renewable energy generating capacity to offset your electricity consumption, is a smart business decision in terms of insulating your business from escalating electricity costs and demonstrates your business’s commitment to helping the environment.
