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OFF-GRID ENERGY

ABOUT OFF-GRID ENERGY

What is an off-grid solar energy system?

Off-grid solar energy systems must contain all the equipment you need to for round-the-clock electric generation and storage.

They are popular in our area among the Amish population, but are also common with vacation homes, cabins and recreational properties.

Off-grid systems can be either stand-alone or hybrid. Hybrid installations bring supplemental solar power/storage to and on-grid residence.

How does a off-grid system work?

Trail Battery and Solar can help you estimate the size of your system by examining your electric bill. Once we understand how much power you are using, we can help you decide how big a system you may need.

If you want to supplement the energy requirements of your on-grid home or business, your hybrid system will need fewer batteries, but will still need the accompanying inverters.

Batteries are an expensive addition to your system and require venting and housing to keep the them operating at safe, optimal levels.

A back-up generator, usually powered by natural gas, is often part of an off-grid system.

EQUIPMENT COSTS

Batteries | Solar Panels | Back-up Generator | Housing for the Battery Pack

The advantages of an off-grid system
LESS RELIABILITY ON FOSSIL FUELS

Many who want to live the off-grid lifestyle want to eliminate or reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. Since the off-grid system is not connected to the power grid, it will not receive (nor contribute) to the grid.

HYBRID SYSTEMS

Modern hybrid systems combine solar and battery storage in one and are now available in many different forms and configurations. Due to the decreasing cost of battery storage, systems that are already connected to the electricity grid can start taking advantage of battery storage as well.

This means being able to store solar energy that is generated during the day and using it at night. When the stored energy is depleted, the grid is there as a back up, allowing consumers to have the best of both worlds. Hybrid systems are also able to charge the batteries using cheap off-peak electricity (usually after midnight to 6am).

TAX CREDITS

Another great incentive for installing solar is that the Federal government, and many states and local utilities, offer rebates, tax credits, low interest loans and other incentives for adding solar power.