Off-Grid (Stand Alone) Wind and Solar Electric Systems

This type of system is for those who truly want energy independence.

This type of system runs autonomously:

     It is completely independent of the electric utility grid. It is also very valuable in remote areas where there are no existing power lines. For this reason, off-grid systems are very popular in mountain and forest areas, for cabins or homes that are far away from the electrical grid. It has all of the features and benefits of a standard grid-tied system, but with the additional benefit of uninterruptible power.

This system can save tens of thousands of dollars:

     Of money that would be spent to extend power lines to some remote areas (The going rate for wiring a building that's not connected to the utility grid is around $50,000 per half-mile!).

This system is fully self-sustaining:

     The battery backup will ensure that you have electricity for critical loads when the sun is down or blocked by clouds, or when the wind isn't blowing. When the optional backup generator is added, you are truly protected against nearly any catastrophic situation. There is also an optional DC hookup, which means you can use DC appliance and power devices.

Below are diagrams of typical Off-Grid Solar and Wind Energy systems, including the basic (and optional) components and configuration:

How it works:

     1) Sunlight hits the solar module then converts the light into electricity.
OR
     2) Wind strikes the turbine blades, turning the generator and turning this energy into electricity.
     3) This electricity travels through wires to the charge controller, which senses battery voltage and regulates battery charging - the electricity is then used to keep the batteries fully charged to ensure uninterruptible power
     4) The remaining electricity is then transferred to the inverter and/or the load controller (optional, if you want/need DC electricity).
       4a) The inverter takes the electricity from the solar module (DC electricity) and converts it into the electricity your home needs to run your appliances, lighting, etc. (AC electricity).
       4b) The load controller is used for any DC power device you may want to run, and decreases the energy losses experienced when the inverter converts the DC to AC. Nearly all power devices and common appliances use AC electricity. However, there are DC power devices available.
     5) The AC electricity then travels to a standard AC service panel (breaker box), and is supplied directly to your home/business.
OR
     6) The DC electricity (optional) then travels to a standard DC service panel (breaker box), and is supplied to directly to the DC loads in your home/business.