OFF-GRID SYSTEM

The standalone PV system which is also known as an off-grid PV system is one of the types in the photovoltaic system. The characteristic for this type is its independence of grid supply. Usually the system is installed in remote area.

Many PV systems are used to energize remote homes, facilities, and devices. An example of an off-grid system includes a remote solar home. Military communication units with supplemental solar and wind are also off-grid. Monitoring or communications devices are also of off-grid type. Energy is gathered from solar modules and is directed into energy storage devices for use when needed. These systems often supply the entire amount of energy required.

Usually the standalone system shown in Figure 1 consists of 4 main parts which are the PV module, the charge controller, the battery storage and the load. Not all the standalone systems require the inverter. The inverter converts the DC voltage into the AC voltage. The inverter depends on the load. If the AC load is used in this system, the inverter is also needed in this system or vice versa.

 Figure 1: Offgrid solar system source: affordable-solar.com

This system can be classified further into two types of standalone PV systems which is shown in Figure 1 and hybrid PV system whch is shown in Figure 2. Basically the standalone system is small in size and battery-operated. Hybrid system is of medium size and has PV module and Generator set or other power generators.

Figure 2: Hybrid Off-Grid PV System Schematic

Written By:

AHMAD IZZAT BIN MOD ARIFIN

MOHD SAIFUL NAJIB BIN ISMAIL@MARZUKI

ABDUL HAFIZ BIN KASSIM