How Off-Grid PV works

Off-grid PV systems provide electricity when and where there is no existing power source, such as utility power. Using an off-grid system eliminates dependence on the utility grid. People may use an off-grid system because they live in an isolated area away from utility power, for economic reasons, or wish to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

1. In an off-grid system, PV modules produce DC electricity.
   
2.  A charge controller regulates the amount of charge going from the PV modules to the batteries. This is to protect batteries from being over- or under-charged.
3. Next, the DC electricity is diverted into batteries for storage. A battery bank (set of batteries connected together) serves as the primary power storage source for the system.The battery bank may be charged not only by the PV modules, but also by a fossil-fuel powered generator or additional renewable energy source, such as a wind turbine. Batteries require periodic maintenance, which may be performed by an informed system user.
   
4.  Finally, the energy collected in the battery bank can be used as DC power, or converted by an inverter for use as AC power.