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OFF GRID PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

Off grid photovoltaic systems are an independent source of solar electricity. They are independent of electrical company grid systems and usually charge batteries for storage when electricity produced is greater than the demand. Off-grid systems are perfect for remote locations where there is a low demand for electricity. The two scenarios that make sense to install an off-grid system would be if you absolutely want to be independent of electrical companies, or are in a remote location where there is no power grid to connect too.

Some of the elements of an off grid system include solar panels, backup generator, inverter, batteries, wiring, system meter, main DC disconnect,

charger controller, rectifier, and an ac breaker panel. The panels are the photovoltaic cell that turns the sunlight into current. These are mounted on a roof or rack system for optimum solar exposure. The inverter turns DC (like what a car uses) to AC (what a house uses). The generator is used for periods of low sunlight and can be used when the batteries are low, or you don’t want to run the batteries low.

The batteries are for storing the energy not used during low periods of consumption. A system monitor will display battery charge, panel output, and system performance. The main DC disconnect is found in systems using batteries to avoid electric shock during battery maintenance. Charge controllers make it so your batteries don’t become overcharged and won’t exceed the recommended charge rate. The rectifier will change the left over AC back into DC to charge the batteries with the extra current production. The breaker panel is the last step to your home where all the home circuits begin and terminate.

Off grid systems, if used with battery storage, may be more expensive due to the cost of batteries compared to on grid systems, but in the case of power loss or a black out, the benefits are endless being that you will have electricity to run a sump, furnace, or air conditioner. The initial cost of renewable energy equipment at this time is expensive and not completely exploited by the public because of the perceived expense, but new companies are using new technology and making photovoltaic panels that are 1/6th the cost of past systems. These systems are going initially being used for military applications but should become available by 2010.

The United States is far behind other countries in its use of renewable energy. Soon enough the fossil fuels will run out and we will have to switch to other forms of energy. The advantage of off-grid systems also is proven when small pumps that can be placed in the most remote of areas are used for well pumps. This could help countries in dry areas where there is an aquifer or water bed deep underground yet no grid to supply a pump. Solar panels can also be used to provide shade or keep the sun from directly striking a roof top. Roof systems alone in places of high heat can bring down the temperature in the house.

Off-grid systems are also used for livestock electric fences and aerator pumps in low oxygen ponds. Many off grid wells exist in remote areas of Texas and New Mexico on cattle ranges. This could also be done in poorer countries and change the quality of life in a big way. Fortunately the cost of photovoltaic cells is going to drop with the new technology available, and with this wells could be implemented in these countries of need. Many countries in civil war today are fighting over resources, with this in mind the availability of solar power may reduce the need to fight and could potentially lead to peace in some areas of the world. Compared to Europe though, the United States has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to renewable energy.

WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY? Solar energy (SE) is being used more and more to replace traditional forms of energy. The sun burns hydrogen at its core, thus releasing huge amounts of energy.	SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY Solar thermal panels have different classifications by the US Energy Information Agency; the three different classifications are low, medium and high temperature collectors.
SOLAR ENERGY HISTORY Today there is a renewed focus on solar energy. More people are recognizing the need and the advantage of solar power.	HOW IS SOLAR ENERGY USED? In the last decade, many new technologies have been adapted to help us take advantage of the massive power of the sun.
SOLAR ENERGY FOR HOMES STOPS HIGH POWER BILLS More and more people are realizing the benefits of solar energy for homes. Twenty years ago solar power cost seven times as much as it does today.	PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY Passive solar energy to put simply uses sunlight for energy without mechanical systems.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM Using solar energy systems for home use will reduce your energy bills for the life of the system.	SOLAR ELECTRICITY Everything from a pocket calculator, to a car, to your home can be powered by photovoltaics or solar electricity.
ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY There are many advantages of solar energy, though solar energy is a fairly new source of renewable energy, it is a very clean way to produce energy in our energy demanding world.	THE FUTURE OF THE SOLAR ENERGY With costs of other sources of energy consistently becoming more and more expensive, the choice of using the sun’s “free” energy is becoming more and more mainstream.
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SOLAR ENERGY Incorporating passive and active solar energy systems into new homes and building will save thousands on energy costs.	WHAT IS THE COST OF SOLAR ENERGY? With energy costs continuing to rise, more and more homeowners are considering the use of solar energy.
LEARN THE FACTS ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY Solar energy facts prove it is the best source of inexhaustible power.	PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM Solar energy is becoming much more accepted as an alternative energy source to our traditional fossil fuels.
SOLAR ENERGY ADVANTAGES The most important advantage is that solar energy is a renewable source of energy. The sun will always be there, being we require the sun for our own life, if it wasn’t here we wouldn’t be here either, right.	INTER TIE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM This kind of solar energy system is becoming more and more popular due to the government incentives increasing, as well as the rising prices of natural gas and fossil fuels.
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ENERGY This is an active way of using solar energy. Passive on the other hand is using large windows, heat conducting tiles, fans, trees, and other such devices to heat a home.	HOW DOES SOLAR ENERGY WORK There are many household items like calculators and outside lighting in use on a massive scale…and they all use solar energy.
SOLAR ELECTRIC ENERGY Solar energy technologies such as heat and light from the sun, along with solar-based resources like wind and wave power, as well as hydroelectricity account for most of the available renewable sources of energy today.	GRID TIE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM A grid tied system can be configured two different ways. The first is to set up your system with solar panels with or without wind generators and connect them to a battery bank.
ON GRID SOLAR ENERGY Ongrid solar energy is by far the cheapest form when compared to off grid solar energy. By generating your own electricity you reduce your electrical bill and in some cases may generate money by running the meter backward.	SOLAR ENERGY ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Fossil fuels have an advantage in that they hold more readily released energy than a solar panel can collect. If you install a solar array on your house you most likely won’t bring it with you when you move.
LEARN ABOUT SEVEN MYTHS OF SOLAR ELECTRICITY As solar electricity gains in popularity and more people investigate its potential, there have come misunderstanding and myths. There are seven main myths about solar electricity that need to be dispelled.	HOW IS SOLAR ENERGY USED? The sun’s heat and light is one of the most powerful resources to touch the planet.
SOLAR ENERGY PANELS Solar energy panels are made of photovoltaic cells, can consist of tubes for heating water, or air heaters.