Off-Grid Stuff

Off-grid energy solutions essentially mean having green, sustainable and grid-independent power on the energy supply at your home. Off the grid energy solutions are generally those that are from renewable energy sources, like wind and sun. With the ever-increasing energy usage bills, renewable energy solutions are fast gaining ground not only in America but also around the world. Selecting to go completely off the grid might be a very challenging decision at first, therefore it is suggested that the process should be carried out in a step-by-step manner.

Off the grid energy solutions should be carried on first within limited perimeters such as by installing a small solar photovoltaic energy plant to supply power to a selected number of electric appliances at your home. As you slowly begin to get the vibe of using solar solutions, you can eventually replace the entire power grid at your home with solar energy solutions. Although there is considerable initial investment involved in the process, yet in the long run you should be able to notice that you are making yourself considerable savings by using the off the grid green energy solutions. (more…)

Solar system is the planetary system that consists of Earth, Sun and the other planets and cellestial objects. But it is also a common name for a system that produces usable energy from solar radiation. This may cause small confusion, but since you’re interested in off-grid living, you probably are looking for the latter, right?

There are two main solar systems available: the solar thermal systems, that produce heat, used mostly for domestic hot water and in some cases for heating, and the solar photovoltaic systems, used to produce electricity. Those two systems will soon be described in detail in two separate articles. (more…)

Solar photovoltaic panels are used to make electricity from solar radiation. It is one of very few ways of making electrical energy without using rotating parts, like in alternators. Those panels (also known as solar modules) are made from smaller parts, called solar cells.

Most solar photovoltaic panels are made to work with 12V systems, like the one you have in your car. It’s because this system is probably the most popular, it’s not very unusual to have solar photovoltaic panel on your camper or caravan. Of course you can always use those panels to get higher voltage, by connecting two or more panels in series. But be aware, that you will always get direct current (DC), not the alternating current (AC) you have in your wall sockets! (more…)