Off-Grid Power Solutions

There are some major advantages and disadvantages of going off-grid entirely with a renewable energy electricity generating system. Off-grid systems are autonomous and therefore provide an independent supply of electricity that is extremely liberating. They are certainly not the kind of thing you should jump right into without discussing your needs and requirements thoroughly with specialists such as R-ECO to ensure that your basic electrical requirements can be satisfied.

Sizing your off-grid system is very technical and many factors need to be taken into consideration, from the maximum length of time where periods of cloudy or calm weather can occur that will prevent you from recharging your system to the maximum demands your electrical needs will put on the system. You will also have to be more aware of the draw of your individual appliances so you know what you can use and for how long without depleting all your available power.

With all our off-grid systems, we will work closely with you to design a system around your particular needs, appliances and living habits. We will provide you with extensive documentation that provides guidelines on usage allowances for your electrical appliances.

ADVANTAGES

• With an on-grid (grid-tied) system, if there is a power cut on the national grid your renewable energy system will also cut out. The simple reason for this is that if there is a fault on the electrical lines, it would be extremely dangerous to be exporting energy with technicians working on it. With an off-grid system, if your neighbours lights go out, you will still have a useable electrical supply.
• Off-grid system require less sophisticated and fewer components making the systems more affordable.
• Can provide standard 52 Hz 240AC power as you would expect from a normal domestic outlet socket as-well as provide 12V/24V circuits for extremely efficient lighting etc.
• You are completely independent. You generate and store your own electrical supply.
• You can keep your existing grid electricity as a back-up and for your high drain appliances.
• Overall, off-grid energy is pretty exciting!
• Can be installed everywhere and anywhere! In a shed/boat/caravan/bird-hide/tree-house etc.......

DISADVANTAGES

• Off-grid systems require batteries that will need replacing every 7 years or so. They can last upto 10 years though they must be looked after and never depleted below 30% of their capacity or their lifespan will be reduced considerable. R-ECO provides equipment to ensure this does not happen.
• The energy cannot be exported so any surplus energy can not be sold back to the grid.
• You need to be much more conscious about your electrical usage. Once your supply has gone it has gone. Well until it is sunny or windy again anyway!
• Off-grid systems are not suitable for high-drain appliances such as heating elements and large motors (washing machines etc.) These utilities will either have to be kept on grid, or switched for good old-fashioned manual devices!

For any more information on an off-grid system, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to size and price a system to suit your specific needs.