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.