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Standalone Solar Power Systems

Standalone Solar Power Systems

Many rural and remote locations do not have adequate facilities, or no facilities at all, for personnel or equipment because there is no electric power.

In most locations away (farther than one-quarter mile (0.4 km)) from the utility grid), and for small loads, it is not economical to construct line access to the utility electric grid.

Electrical equipment and appliances located in places without access to the utility electricity grid can use a standalone solar electric (photovoltaic) system for power supply.

Homes and cottages in remote areas can use a solar electric system to power domestic appliances. Many people choose to live "off-grid" for the freedom and lifestyle.

Solar Electricity is Affordable, Reliable and Flexible

The main benefits of standalone solar electric power systems in remote locations are:

A standalone photovoltaic system does not have the grid for backup power. A detailed analysis of electric loads and usage is required to properly design a system that will meet the daily and seasonal loads and be within the owner/operator's budget.

It is also important that buildings and equipment be energy efficient to minimize power loads.

There are two types of off-grid solar power systems: without batteries and with batteries. Systems without battery backup are simpler to design and cost less. But they provide power only when the sun is shining, not at night or in bad weather.

Systems with battery backup provide power as long as the battery charge is above a minimum charge level. These systems are more complex to design because of the daily and seasonal variation of irradiation (solar radiation) and the energy consumption profile (amount and time of day).

Another consideration is the type of electrical load. Direct correct (DC) appliances can be run directly from the DC output from the solar modules or batteries. Photovoltaic systems for alternating current (AC) appliances use an inverter to generate the alternating current. Some systems can power both DC and AC appliances.

Standalone systems are well-suited as backup or uninterruptible power supplies, especially for DC equipment or in small communities where grid power is unreliable.

Portable and mobile power systems are also available for remote power situations such as rapid deployment, temporary loads, or location-changing loads. For example, road repair, emergency situation, disaster, rescue, or one-time event.

Standalone solar electric systems can be designed with a power capacity ranging from 50 Watts to over 100 kWatts. The actual output depends on the insolation (solar radiation energy received on a surface area in a given time) during the day.

Typical Power Loads

Typical power loads for industrial, commercial and residential equipment in remote locations are:

The current (amps) and estimated operating hours per day for each appliance are used to calculate the total system load requirements.

Standard photovoltaic systems are available for typical load profiles and location irradiation. Custom systems can be designed for specific situations or applications. Please call us for assistance.

Advantages of Solar Power

There are many advantages to using solar electric power in remote, inaccessible or standalone applications:

Affordable

Off-grid solar electric systems are now price competitive with alternative energy sources, such as operating diesel generators or installing utility electricity, as measured by Dollars per kWh of energy generated.

Reliable

Unlike gas or diesel generators, or wind turbines, photovoltaic power systems have no moving parts and require little maintenance.

Flexible

Solar power systems can be designed in modules to meet specific requirements now. Add more capacity later with no equipment replacement as loads increase.