OFF-GRID Solar power systems have their limitations when it comes to power generation, usage patterns and storage. Here we take a look at the limitations of an OFF-Grid Solar System.
Initial Cost
An OFF-GRID solar power generation system consists of an inverter, Solar panels, and Batteries for backup with the added cost of new wires, protection circuits, and setup costs will add up to the final cost. A House owner who is trying to decrease the power bill by going off-grid will have to spend a lot of money to get the system.
Solar Energy
Solar Power is only generated when the sun is glowing. This means that power generation happens in the daytime – which means you have to use more equipment in the daytime for maximum usage of the system. If not you will be using the power only to charge the batteries. You have to have enough solar panels to charge the battery with powering up a whole electricity load of your premise in the daytime (home/office)
Battery
OFF-Grid Systems store energy on batteries for nighttime usage. These batteries can be lead acid/ gel or LiFePo4. the lowest-cost Lead acid batteries might not be good at supplying a sustainable large electricity supply hence you will need to spend more on LiFePo4 batteries to use them at night. Always keep in mind that this will be an extra cost. But a LiFePo4 battery will have at least 3000 cycles and this will cover you a good 10 years of power storage if used correctly.
Worst Case Scenario
With an Off-Grid system, we always hope that the sun will be fully shining throughout the day time. But what we must also know is that Sri Lanka has a Rainy season and that power generation will be reduced during this season. This must be taken into account – and you must prepare to switch to grid power in these times for a period of time when it cannot charge the batteries or cannot cover the full load with solar power.
Noise
Solar Power generation requires an Inverter, which has all the electronic parts and Fans to cool them. These fans will kick in when the power generation is at its highest and this will produce 50 – 70db of noise depending on your inverter model. This is a normal Sound – if you have the TV or radio ON in day time. Some people who are sensitive to sound might get irritated by the constant humming. If you have such conditions, there are OFF-GRID Inverters without fans which are a bit costly compared to normal inverters.
Space
Solar Power Systems need a lot of space, the inverter unit goes inside the living area since it needs protection from dust and humidity. Solar Panels need a large area on the roof or ground without any shading. Wiring is needed to be done for the system. All these will take some time and space to set up correctly.
