One of the leading renewable energy alternatives is off-grid solar energy. But do you know the difference between off-grid and other types of solar energy and what makes up the off-grid solar kit? The off-grid solar kit allows the autonomous production of solar energy, making the production entirely used by the owner. This article will help you understand what it is and what is in the off-grid solar kit.

What is off-grid solar energy?

The off-grid solar energy system is isolated because it does not have a connection point with the utility. Two off-grid system options exist: energy storage with battery and without.

In systems without storage, energy needs to be consumed or applied immediately. With this, storage allows the energy to be used even when there is no production, as in periods when the sky is dark.

How does the off-grid isolated power system work in the Philippines?

These systems have photovoltaic modules as an energy source that transforms solar radiation into electric current. The existing voltage in these modules varies according to the radiation, so there are distinct peaks throughout the day. The battery bank, in turn, has a more stable voltage, with values ​​that vary between 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V.

To deal with this issue, load control equipment is used. The battery bank connects to the inverter, which transforms the direct current and voltage (outputs from the modules and batteries) into alternating current and voltage, which are used in most equipment.

Advantages of an off-grid photovoltaic system

The off-grid system has several advantages, as it can be used in various situations. Sometimes, the consumer prefers to eliminate tariff increases or supply instability, so he prefers a system isolated from the network.

It is also widely used in places without a nearby network, such as farms and farms in remote locations. Sometimes, the concessionaire even takes energy points close to the site. However, a very high amount is charged, and the deadlines are extended, which makes the off-grid more viable.

Disadvantages of off-grid solar energy

The more power an off-grid system emits, the greater the financial investment needed to install it. Therefore, it is usually used for small loads, such as household items.

Differences between off-grid and on-grid solar energy

Between the 1950s and 1970s, the off-grid solar energy system was the only existing type since the intention was to bring electricity to places the distribution networks did not reach, such as artificial satellites (meteorological and telecommunications, for example).

On the other hand, the on-grid solar power system is connected to the grid. It is called a photovoltaic or simply an on-grid system in the Philippines.

The on-grid solar system connected to the grid comprises photovoltaic modules called solar panels and interactive inverters called Grid-tied Interactive inverters.

The main types of solar power kits

Solar energy kits can vary according to your energy needs and goals. Discover the solar panel kit options below and the best alternative according to what you need.

Photovoltaic solar energy kit for pumping/irrigation

The pumping kit has some versions. The most common is simple, consisting of a module and a pump. It does not need an inverter, as it works with a direct current. The solar energy kit for irrigation, in turn, is larger and more complex since the amount of energy generated is also greater.

Photovoltaic solar energy kit for lighting

The power kit for lighting is mainly used at night and contains a charge controller and battery, in addition to boards and (LED) lamps. Such kits can be installed in homes and commercial or public establishments (such as poles).

Photovoltaic solar energy kit for homes (houses)

The home kit is the most complex as it includes various equipment, such as the panel (set of modules), junction box, photovoltaic inverter, cabling, support structures, and, in isolated cases, the battery bank and the power controller.

How much does the off-grid solar kit cost in the Philippines

As I mentioned, the greater the power of the off-grid system, the greater the investment to acquire and install it. Therefore, to estimate the value of an off-grid solar kit, it is necessary to remember that the calculation depends on some variables.

One of the several factors that must be considered when setting the price of this system is the size of the installation site, that is, for how many machines the generated energy will be destined for.

The value can generally vary between over 500k PHP and over 1M PHP with equipment capable of generating up to 10,000 W/h per day, including the solar inverter.