Off Grid Systems

Living in a remote area where mains electricity is not available or too costly?

home and energy design and install off grid power systems to meet your power needs. We can help you harness all the available renewable energy sources in your location, including solar, wind and micro hydro.

How does it work?

Off grid standalone power systems supply electricity to properties that are not connected to the public electricity network. Electricity generated by solar panels, wind turbines or fuel powered generators either directly powers your electrical loads or charges storage batteries via an inverter/charger controller. At night, the inverter supplies the energy stored in the battery bank. When the sun comes up the next day, the cycle begins again.

There are two different ways of configuring a remote area power system; these are known as AC-Coupling and DC-Coupling, each having their unique advantages. The configuration type will have an impact on the life expectancy, efficiency and flexibility of your system.

What is AC Coupling?

AC Coupling is a method of inserting Solar into a battery based system via the AC circuit rather than the traditional DC Circuit. To do this, a standard Grid Tie inverter is used to turn the high voltage DC from the Solar Panels into AC Electricity. AC Coupling is highly efficient for “Self Consuming” Solar Power.

What is DC Coupling?

DC Coupling is the traditional method of inserting Solar into a battery based system via the DC circuit. To achieve this, a Solar Controller or Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) is wired between the Solar Panels and the battery. DC Coupling is highly efficient for charging batteries.

Efficient appliance choice and efficient home design are by far the best way of minimising your electricity requirements, system size, and cost – meaning you don’t have to change your lifestyle to live comfortably off grid.