5 Practical Off-Grid Energy Solutions

solar panels / karsten wuerth / unsplash

Solar panels are one of the most widely used sources of renewable energy and for good reason. The solar industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and a “solar photovoltaic installer” is currently the fastest-growing job in the United States (CNBC).

While solar efficiency is consistently making improvements in the lab and in practice, it’s certainly come a long way since its inception. In 1954, solar efficiency began at a mere 6%. Today, the average solar panel can get about 22% efficiency with some higher-end panels pushing 46% (Energy Sage).

How much energy can you generate from solar panels?

The amount of usable power generated from a solar energy system will depend on a number of factors including the quality of solar panels, the number of solar panels installed, and the amount of sunlight directed towards the panels. For the sake of a simplistic explanation, we'll use data averages from the US Energy Information Administration.

The average solar panel is rated at around 250 watts. In sunny California, you can typically get 5 hours of direct sunlight per day, depending on your region and home’s location. With a 250-watt panel receiving 5 hours of sunlight per day, you're generating 1,250 watt-hours per day, or 37.5 kilowatt-hours per month (Energy Sage).

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average household in the United States uses about 11,000 kWh per year or 900 kWh per month (EIA).

Now, one 250-watt solar panel doesn't come close to covering the 900 kWh electricity requirement for an entire home. So, according to this scenario, you'd need an array of 24 solar panels to generate 900 kilowatt-hours per month.

How much will a solar energy system cost?

An entire solar system can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000 depending on how much energy output is preferred, but most are around the $16,000 range (modernize).

Individual 250-watt panels can range from $175 to $375 each.

While solar energy systems can be pricey upfront, it is always possible to start with a smaller system and add more panels later on. Many homeowners who use solar aren't relying entirely on their panels for electricity, but are supplementing with other energy sources.

Components of a solar energy system

off grid solar diagram / mysolarquotes.co.nz

A typical residential solar energy system consists of the following components:

Solar panels - The solar panels themselves are what absorb the energy from the sun and therefore must be placed in an area that gets the most sun exposure, typically a roof. Solar panels can also be placed in an open area where they’d be mounted onto racks into an array formation.

Inverter - Solar energy exists in the form of DC power. However, our homes use electricity in the form of AC power. An inverter is a device that converts the DC solar power into AC power where it can then be used via the wall outlets.

Battery pack - Energy accumulated by the solar panels needs to be stored for later use, thus is typically kept in battery packs. The two most common types of solar batteries are lead-acid and lithium-ion.

Lead-acid batteries are reliable, heavy, and much less expensive than lithium batteries, but require more maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries aren’t as maintenance-heavy but are more costly.

Charge controller - In between the solar panels and the battery bank is the charge controller, the device responsible for regulating the flow of electricity. The charge controller prevents the batteries from overcharging and also from being fully depleted. Without a charge controller, direct connection between the panels and the battery bank can significantly reduce the life of the batteries.

Important considerations for solar energy

While the future of solar energy is very promising and is currently helping thousands of homes with their energy needs, there are some drawbacks that are important to be aware of.

Efficiency - The thermodynamic efficiency limit states that solar energy will never reach 100% efficiency (wikipedia). What this means is that solar panels will never be able to absorb ALL of the energy emitted by the sun’s rays, only a portion of it. While solar panel efficiency is improving every year, most solar panels are currently at a 20% efficiency rating.

Given the fact that the solar panels are dependent on direct exposure to the sun, only specific climate regions are really able to utilize their full potential.

Cost - The average home in the United States has spent around $16,000 for its solar energy system. While systems are trending toward more affordable options, it still isn’t widely available to most households.

Installation and portability - Solar panels are quite large and are best serviced by professional installers. It is possible to have a system installed via DIY but all the necessary tools and research should be acquired ahead of time. Furthermore, moving residences can be a challenge if panels are already installed.

Recommended Solar Energy Providers

Here are a few of the top, most trusted solar energy providers for residential applications.

Sunpower - Sunpower is a residential and commercial solar energy design company based out of Silicon Valley in California. They've been ranked #1 in commercial solar since 2017 and have received over 1,000 patents for solar innovation. Sunpower has over 35 years of solar expertise and is used by companies such as Toyota, Ford, General Electric, and Macy's.

Go Green Solar - Go Green Solar is another widely used solar energy provider. Their installation crew consists of experienced veterans who've been in the solar game since 2006. They've worked with companies such as CBS, NBC, and USA Today. Go Green Solar is very highly reviewed by their customers and always stays true to their 100% money-back guarantee.

Sun Factory - Sun Factory offers an incredible program called The Simple Solar Program, offering approved applicants a chance to save on solar energy without having to provide all the initial costs upfront. If approved, Sun Factory will cover the initial costs of installing the system while being reimbursed through the amount of money saved in electric bills. This gives homeowners who can't afford the heavy installation prices a chance to benefit from a solar energy system.