According to the latest data, some 30% of Australian households now have solar panels, and that number is only expected to rise in the coming years.
And it’s not hard to see why solar power is booming in Australia.. Solar energy offers a wide range of benefits that have made it the go-to solution for homeowners and businesses looking to get a grip on their energy bills while also minimising their impact on the planet.
There are two different solar panel systems available: on grid solar systems and off grid solar systems. In this post, we’ll focus on off grid solar panels, including what they are, how they work, and the advantages they offer.
And don’t forget — if you’re interested in adding solar panels to your home or business, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Integrity Solar Australia by calling 0492 973 774.
Understanding Off Grid Solar
Off grid solar systems harness the sun’s energy in much the same way that standard solar panels do.
However, unlike on grid solar systems, which connect to the electrical grid, off grid solar systems are entirely independent. That makes them a great option for people who live in areas that are not connected to the grid, as well as for people who wish to be more self-sufficient or reduce their impact on the natural world.
Off Grid Solar v On Grid Solar Systems
Off grid solar systems and on grid solar systems offer similar benefits, but there are key differences to be aware of.
On grid solar systems are connected to the grid. They’re typically used to supplement the grid’s electricity rather than providing all of the property’s energy needs.
Off grid systems, on the other hand, are not connected to the grid. They have special batteries that store the electricity they produce, allowing you to power your house with a sustainable energy source even when the sun’s not shining.
That makes them an appealing option for homeowners and businesses located in areas where connected to the grid is unsuitable or unstable. Plus, they can offer even more energy savings than on grid solar systems, and they’re usually easier to set up, too
The Advantages of Off Grid Solar Systems
Around 2% of Australians already live off grid, but that figure is steadily increasing thanks to the availability of off grid systems, which offer a range of unique advantages on top of the ones already offered by on grid solar systems.
Let’s take a closer look at why off grid solar systems are becoming more mainstream.
Round-the-Clock Power
Traditional on grid solar panels are connected to the electrical grid. If the grid goes down, as is increasingly common in Queensland and across Australia, and the sun’s not shining, then the property will be without power for as long as the outage lasts.
Off grid solar panels provide round-the-clock power, even in the event of a grid outage. That’s because off grid solar panels store excess energy in batteries, which can then provide the property with power regardless of whether it’s rainy or nighttime.
For homeowners and businesses in need of consistent power, off grid solar systems present the perfect solution.
Lower Energy Bills
On grid solar panels can lower a household’s energy costs, but not to the same extent as off grid solar systems. Since you’re not connected to the grid, these off grid solar systems allow homeowners to produce all of their electricity needs, eliminating electricity bills entirely.
This is especially appealing to Australians who live in areas with high electricity prices, such as Queensland. With the average Queensland electricity bill averaging around $350 for every quarterly period, it’s not an exaggeration to say that off grid solar systems could save homeowners more $1000’s every year.
It’s a Wise Long-Term Solution
Off grid solar systems are more expensive than on grid solar systems because of the additional infrastructure that’s required. However, those additional costs are typically offset by the savings that off grid solar systems provide.
We’ve already mentioned how off grid solar can save households more than $1000 a year. Throw in the fact that these solar systems typically last for more than 25 years and require virtually no maintenance, and it becomes clear that they can make for a great long-term solution.
Get In Touch With Integrity Solar Australia Today
Ready to get all the benefits of having an off grid solar system on your property? Get in touch with Integrity Solar Australia to learn more.