Off-Grid Power Sources: Which Energy Solution is Best for You?

Living off-grid requires an independent power source as no mains power is available. This off-grid power source could be a fossil fuel generator or a renewable energy source like wind or solar.

When planning to live off-grid, you must decide what off-grid power sources can meet your energy needs. Your assessment should include taking steps to reduce your energy usage.

If you don’t plan ahead, you could derail your intentions of living off-grid in the long term. Even tasks such as showering and flushing the toilet can become quite arduous if you don’t have electricity!

Generators as an Off-Grid Power Source

Some people generate off-grid power through diesel, petrol or gas generators. In addition, they may have a backup of 12-volt batteries for low-load uses. Low load uses include lighting at night-time when generators are too noisy to run.

There are many types of generators available. The one most suitable for your off-grid power needs will depend on your budget. Often, generators with traditional pull-start engines are the cheapest to buy.

Electric start models are more expensive. They vary from basic electric ignitions to remote control and auto starters. Some models can detect high usage from your inverter or low battery levels. These models will automatically start the generator to supplement the load when required.

If it is raining or late at night, the last thing you want to do is head out to fire up the generator. So, it is worth paying extra if you can afford an auto-start generator. You will appreciate having it in the long run.

The problem with using generators as off-grid power sources is that they require fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. Therefore, we prefer to use a renewable off-grid power source.

Solar Systems as Off-Grid Power Sources

We satisfy most of our off-grid power needs with solar power. We have a row of solar panels on our roof, batteries for storage, and an inverter so we can use 240-volt appliances.

Sustainable off-grid power sources, like solar panels, are becoming more popular. They are also a better choice for the environment. Many places enjoy a large portion of the day filled with sunlight and can use solar panels.

Giving proper consideration to the type of panels you purchase is essential. On cloudy days or with limited direct sunlight, panels that absorb ambient light at higher rates make a huge difference. Therefore, paying more money for panels now will be worth it later.

Purchasing solar panels may seem expensive compared with buying a generator, but they are a long-term investment. You can buy a decent number of solar panels for the same price as a generator. There are also no recurring fuel costs.

Even considering the cost of batteries and inverters, solar energy is a more cost-effective option than buying fossil fuels in the long term. Fuel is getting more expensive while solar equipment prices are decreasing due to market demand.

Wind and Combination Off-Grid Power Sources

Wind turbines are also a great source of renewable energy. Output depends upon the area in which you live. Like solar panels, wind turbines require specific weather conditions to produce off-grid power.

Locations close to shorelines or mountain ranges are usually windy due to convection from the rising and falling air and surface temperatures. Areas prone to thunderstorms also have more wind to harness for off-grid power.

Having a combination of solar and wind power is a great match. You can use solar energy during daylight hours, while wind turbines add extra power whenever there is movement in the air, including at night.

During twilight, wind speeds can pick up as the atmosphere is heating up or cooling down, adding an extra boost to your system when the solar panels aren't getting much sun. Also, storm fronts increase wind activity, which can compensate for the lack of sunlight due to clouds.

Hydroelectric Off-Grid Power Systems

Hydroelectric technology is known for producing power on a large scale. However, you can use it as an off-grid power source on a smaller scale. Micro hydroelectricity just requires running water and a turbine to generate electricity.

Of course, you will need access to a flowing body of water to harness the energy. But if you have a creek or stream on your property, it can be a consistent source of off-grid power.

Installing a hydroelectric power system can be expensive initially but cost-effective in the long term. A good water source can provide enough electricity to power your entire home.

One of the most significant advantages of a hydroelectric power system is that it is not dependent on the weather, like solar and wind power. Power is produced 24 hours a day (unless your water source is seasonal). As a result, you are likely to need fewer batteries to store energy.

Off-Grid Power Storage

Adequate power storage is crucial when using renewables. Life doesn’t stop on windless days or after the sun goes down! Therefore, the most essential part of any off-grid power system is storage.

Batteries allow us to store the oversupply of energy created during the day so that we can continue using it at night. Spending extra time considering which batteries to purchase is very important. You should buy the best you can afford.

There is a wide range of batteries, from carbon cells to liquid and lithium cell batteries. Consider the capacity, ease of charge, and life expectancy of the cells you purchase. Most lithium and large liquid batteries for solar systems have a life expectancy of about ten years.

Having more storage than you need as a backup for those still, cloudy or rainy days is also a good idea. You will appreciate the extra storage when it has been raining for a week and you want to shower!

12-Volt v 240-Volt Appliances

Another thing to consider is whether you use 12-volt or 120/240-volt electrical goods in your home. This decision will also determine the type of solar cells and batteries you need to buy.

Installing 12-volt appliances like fridges, TVs, and lights will allow you to run a 12-volt system. Therefore, you will not need an inverter to change the power to 120 or 240 volts. You can also buy 12-volt panels and batteries. These are the standard for camping and motorhome setups.

12-volt systems can be a cheaper option for establishing off-grid power for your home. It allows you to buy marine or car batteries to store your energy. However, at the same time, it can limit the use of 120/240 volt products.

12-volt items, such as fridges, are around one-third more expensive than 240-volt ones (per litre of capacity). Also, you must buy a small inverter to power any device or item that is not 12-volt.

Battery-Powered Devices

Battery usage isn't just for storage of your off-grid power. A lot of electrical devices come with a battery-powered option. You can kit out your whole house with battery-operated devices. From vacuum cleaners and stereos to power tools and gardening equipment.

Having battery-powered devices allows you to accomplish most tasks without fear of draining the batteries for your home. Charging the batteries during peak sunlight or high winds also ensures you utilise the maximum energy available.

Battery-powered items can be as good as their non-battery-powered friends. Electric motors produce large amounts of torque. They make jobs like mowing the lawn or using a chainsaw as easy as petrol-powered motors. The only letdown can be the capacity of some batteries.

Also, having a range of battery-powered tools by the same manufacturer allows you to use the same battery. Using the same battery can save a lot of space by reducing clutter from multiple batteries and chargers.

Backup Off-Grid Power Sources

Although our solar system meets most of our off-grid power needs, we have a backup generator. We only use our backup generator as a last resort as it burns up fossil fuels, but it can be a lifesaver.

Unless you have an oversized system, there will always be times when you need extra power. Having a higher-capacity generator is the best option. It allows minimal running time for high output and a quick battery bank charge.

We have a 6.5-kVA diesel generator, which allows us to charge our system quickly at heavy load times with no available renewables. We can then continue using power without the generator running for long hours.

Most decent inverters for off-grid power systems have a built-in terminal for auto-start generators. They use a low current sensor to trigger the start of the generator when power is too low. However, you will need a generator with auto-start capabilities to utilise this feature.

Reducing Energy Use

As you can see, multiple off-grid power sources are available for your homestead. The choice you make will be dependent upon your location and your budget.

Regardless of the source of your off-grid power, reducing energy consumption is integral to any successful off-grid life. You will not need to generate as much power if you use your energy more efficiently.

You can achieve this by installing energy-efficient devices and insulation. It is also essential to make changes to your lifestyle. Simple things like turning off lights or appliances can make a big difference. Reducing energy requirements makes you more likely to succeed in your off-grid dream.