Remote Solar Power Systems

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For many years having a building, home, barn or other remote site that was beyond the reach of the main electric grid, meant that it was necessary to have a diesel generator to produce electrical power. The diesel fuel has to be purchased and hauled to the site on a regular basis, and then the generator itself can be loud and dirty. So much for the remote tranquility!

Today, however, there are at least a couple of alternative choices for augmenting (or totally replacing) diesel-fueled remote power systems.

Probably the most applicable of these technologies is solar power. Solar power experienced a brief celebrity during the 1970s after an oil embargo reminded us how vulnerable our energy situation was. Since then, advances in solar photovoltaic panel and charge inverter innovation has significantly improved in a variety of ways. Solar power systems are more affordable, last longer, are more reliable and efficient then ever before. Additionally, there are many government programs that offer incentives and rebates of up to 55% of the cost of a remote power system to eligible applicants who choose to use some form of alternative energy solution in their remote power systems.

A solar remote power system consists of photovoltaic solar panels which are mounted on a (usually) south-facing pole or roof . This positioning maximizes the amount of sunlight landing on the panel daily. The panels generate DC electrical currents that pass through a charge controller which then regulates the power being passed along to a bank of long-life, deep-cycle, low-maintenance batteries. When needed, that current is then passed through an inverter, which converts the DC current to alternating, or AC, current for use just as if it had come from the main power grid.

If the system is designed to include both the solar panel system and a diesel generator, then the diesel generator takes a supporting role in remote power systems, coming on only when there is not enough sunlight to sufficiently charge the batteries.

There is, however, another alternative energy source: wind generators. Wind generators can provide enough power to charge batteries whenever the wind is blowing. But, again, because sunlight and wind levels will fluctuate depending on the time of the year, most remote power systems use a diesel generator as a back-up. This is what is known as a "hybrid system" and it is designed to charge up the batteries using a diesel generator in times of inclement weather or when an especially high load is put on the system.

Ready to get a solar panel of your own? MrSolar.com features pre-designed remote power systems and home solar systems packages in many sizes, depending on your budget and solar power needs. Our packages include a range of polycrystalline and amorphous silicone panels to best suit almost any remote power system need. All of our solar panels have passed rigorous tests and carry a manufacturers guarantee. Packages also include a charge inverter, battery, charge controller, wiring and mounting hardware, unless otherwise specified.

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