Tips on Off Grid Solar Energy

Solar Panel Angles

• Set solar panels at angles to catch the most amount of sunlight available throughout the day for your battery bank. Current practice demonstrates that the best way to angle your panels is to use your latitude as your base angle. Add 15 degrees during the winter months to capture more sunlight and subtract 15 degrees from the base angle during the summer months. If you have an off-grid solar energy system, it is important to capture as much sunlight as possible for your panels.

Battery Bank

• The battery bank should be sized based on your expected electricity needs. If you live in an area that is generally cloudy, especially during the winter months, consider enlarging your capacity for stored electricity by having a larger battery system. All of the batteries should be identical, having the same manufacturer, voltage and ampacity rating. The battery bank should also be able to provide enough electricity over three days to sustain a 50 percent discharge of their total capacity.

Reducing Electricity Needs

• One of the most important tips for off-grid living is to reduce your energy use. According to Home Power Magazine, "the cost of reducing energy use is about 20-30% of the cost of producing those same kWh (kilo-Watt hours)" by installing and using a solar panel system. Reduce electricity needs by eliminating unnecessary appliances, installing natural lighting features, and adding more insulation to walls, floors and ceilings. Alternatively, you can replace older appliances with those that are more efficient and use less energy.

Power Inverters

• Power inverters are one of the crucial components of your solar power system. Power inverters convert the direct current from the batteries into usable alternating current electricity, that is used to power your home appliances. Pure sine wave inverters create the highest quality signal of electricity, allowing for consistent energy flows to all of your appliances, guaranteeing that they work as they would when plugged into traditional utility powered outlets.