Knowing When It Is Time To Move Off-Grid

Any type of system for renewable electricity that can utilize without depending on the utility grid is a stand-alone-off-grid system. Before you move off-grid, consider some things regarding the system first so you would be able to determine if the decision is right.

Deciding to move would mean you do not need the service of the utility company anymore. Although this move is somewhat good because you don't have to pay high expenses to your utility provider, the disadvantage here is that it would mean no one will help you to check the problem when the electricity loses its power in the middle of the night. You will have to do it yourself so you can use the utility again.

You are probably saving money from utility expenses. If this is your reason for deciding to move to off-grid system, then, make up your mind once again. Using an off-grid system to generate electricity and store it for future use will also cost you more money. Higher initial investment is the first thing to consider when deciding to move off-grid. With off-grid systems, large battery where the electricity will be stored and a generator machine are needed.

Your budget for this energy system should be higher because you will definitely spend thousands of dollars for the initial costs of setting the system up. With all these expenses, you would naturally expect that the system will work efficiently but there are times the system fails. And since this is powered by solar energy, it will operate while the sun is at its peak. That's why it needs a battery bank where the energy can be stored.

Using the off-grid system for the supply of your electricity may not work the way you planned or expect it. Sometimes your appliances will not operate properly, especially when the power is low. To keep the system going, a generator should be there to back up the system.

Another thing to consider with the off-grid system is the maintenance. Since you have a stand-alone-off-grid system, it means you are independent. Therefore, you need to handle the problems by yourself. IF you want, you can request someone knowledgeable to do the maintenance for you but you have to pay additional expenses. It would be better for you to take lessons about the system and how to take care of the equipments essential for the operations.

Totally freeing yourself from a governing body like the utility company is not impossible to do but you have to look at your options and wonder if making this dramatic move is really in your best interest. Staying tied to your current grid and getting used to your new renewable energy system might work out better in the beginning. You would have something to fall back on while learning the ropes and getting familiar with something totally foreign to you.

A battery less grid-tie system is recommended for those just getting their feet wet. An inverter is connected to the utility grid, no backup batteries and your surplus energy goes to the utility. Add the backup battery after you are comfortable and move on from there. Who knows, maybe the costs will continue to decrease and you will find yourself spending less money, too.