Choosing the best off-grid solar system is not easy as off-grid systems are many times more complicated than common grid-connected solar systems. In this article, we highlight some of the many considerations which must be taken into account and discuss the various off-grid system types available. We also explain why a good quality inverter-charger is vital to building a reliable off-grid system. Finally, we will dive into the different brands available and determine which systems are best suited to different applications.
Many people believe off-grid solar systems can be easily put together. This may be true in the case of a small caravan or cabin, but in reality, larger off-grid systems used for homes and businesses need to be carefully designed by an experienced solar installer or system designer. Modern off-grid solar systems use battery inverters-chargers to manage batteries, solar, and backup power sources such as a generator. The inverter-charger is the heart and brain of an off-grid system. Its primary job is to supply pure sine wave AC power, and it must be able to meet the power requirements of the appliances under all conditions. Inverter-chargers sometimes referred to as multi-mode inverters, are the central energy management system and can be either AC-coupled with solar inverter/s or DC-coupled with solar charge controller/s. When designing an off-grid power system, the battery inverter-charger must be adequately sized and selected according to the appliances it will be running. Some equipment such as water pumps, fridge compressors and air-conditioning units require very high surge (peak) power during startup, and this is where many cheaper inverters can fail. If multiple appliances are running at the same time, the inverter must also be able to supply continuous power under all conditions including higher temperatures. If high temperatures and high loads are common, the inverter must be sized correctly to account for temperature de-rating. Again this is where cheaper (transformerless) inverters can often trip, especially during high summer temperatures.
Best off-grid inverter – 5kW+ power ratings
Sample text. The SP PRO inverter-chargers from Selectronic, based in Australia, feature the highest 30-minute power rating and highest peak/surge power rating along with a wide range of control methods including relays and digital inputs and outputs which can be configured for load management or generator control. However, it’s not just hardware that’s impressive, the SP PRO also features possibly the most advanced energy management software in the industry.to select the Text Element.
Premium quality comes at a premium price, and the SP PRO inverters are one of the most expensive options available; however, considering the high cost of off-grid systems, paying a little more is well worth it for the power and features needed for a reliable off-grid system. The impressive features and high performance, together with a leading 10-year warranty place the SP PRO at the top of our list. Selectronic, based in Melbourne, Australia, was founded back in 1964 and has been manufacturing electronics and power conversion equipment for over 50 years. Over this time, the company has evolved to become a world leader in energy storage management systems and recently opened a much larger manufacturing facility to cater for the increasing demand. To say Selectronic is modest is an understatement, the company manufactures what is arguably the most advanced battery inverter-charger in the world with a relatively small team of designers and engineers. In recent years, Selectronic has grown significantly and now exports to countries around the globe, including Germany, which is known for manufacturing some of the best solar equipment. Part of the reason for the companies success is that, unlike most other inverter manufacturers, Selectronic only focuses on designing and manufacturing high-performance, energy storage inverter chargers.
Best off-grid Inverter – 2kW to 5kW power rating
Sample text. Click to Victron Energy based in the Netherlands is a well known, international, high quality manufacturer with a wide product range including battery chargers, sinewave inverters, inverters-chargers, DC/AC converters, transfer switches, battery monitors, charge controllers and more. Victron offer the most cost effective range of multi-mode inverters with a huge range of sizes including the new MultiPlus II inverters/chargers. For many applications the Victron is a great quality, lower cost option, especially for DC coupled systems. The Victron remote system options are extremely advanced and offer full remote access and control, as well as some powerful monitoring features. Victron products are also simple to setup and offer a huge range of different add-ons and configuration options.the Text Element.
Best off-grid inverter for extreme environments
SMA Solar Technology is a leading German solar energy equipment supplier founded in 1981 and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar inverters. The well regarded Suny island inverters are a proven performer in harsh outdoor environments in particular sub-zero temperatures.
OutBack Power inverter/chargers have a reputation of delivering superior product performance for remote off-grid power systems. With the recent introduction of the Radian Series Inverter/Charger, OutBack now offers an ideal solution for advanced Grid/Hybrid applications and full flexibility for grid-interactive and off-grid installations.
The FX Series Inverter/Charger is a pure sine wave inverter in modular form, one capable of producing cleaner, more reliable electricity than what’s available from typical electrical grids—and adaptable to nearly any system configuration through a building-block design. This product can be optimized for a variety of applications including off-grid, grid-interactive, mobile and low power applications. The new Grid/Hybrid™ Radian Series Inverter/Charger family is engineered with one goal: making solar system design and installation easier and faster in grid-interactive and comprehensive off-grid applications. Based on OutBack’s proven technology foundation, the Radian Series simplifies the configuration, distribution, and implementation of energy storage through a standardized approach when integrated with an OutBack GS Load Center, making it easier than ever to provide successful solutions for virtually any residential, commercial or institutional power requirement.
Schneider Electric SE is a French multinational company that specialises in digital automation and energy management. It addresses homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries, by combining energy technologies, real-time automation, software, and services.
Schneider Electric is a Fortune Global 500 company, publicly traded on the Euronext Exchange, and is a component of the Euro Stoxx 50 stock market index. In FY2020, the company posted revenues of €25.2 billion.
Schneider Electric is the parent company of Square D, APC, and others. It is also a research company.
Countryside Solar is great company and easy to talk to . Would recommend everyone 👌 to go for Countryside Solar. Installers were great.
Nick and Kieron were very helpful, reliable and friendly to deal with. Very happy with the price and thanks to the guys who intalled the system for being friendly and easy going. Highly recommend this company.👍 …
Just have to say countryside solar has done amazing job hooking up our solar and it also runs a caravan and our house we never run out of power thanks Wendy and Nick
Down to Earth, answered all my questions, happy with the service, quick install, made the install easy and stress-free, with Wendy I was relaxed and felt comfortable to buy solar. I am glad I did
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