About Greentech Energy
Greentech Energy emerged from a deep commitment to combat pollution and promote widespread adoption of solar energy. Founded in 2015 by two environmentally conscious professionals from NIT Rourkela, Greentech Energy initially consisted of just two members. Since then, we have grown to become the third largest EPC contractor for residential solar installations in India. Our efforts have facilitated the transition to solar power for over 6,000 homes, resulting in significant savings of up to 90% on monthly electricity bills for our customers. We specialize in the installation of both on-grid and hybrid solar systems, and we have plans to expand our services to include off-grid solar systems in the near future. What sets us apart from other vendors are the following unique services we provide:
- At Greentech Energy, we prioritize the use of high-quality prefabricated mounting structures designed to withstand cyclonic wind speeds of up to 150 kmph, ensuring durability and resilience.
- We provide complimentary solar consultation services to our valued customers.
- Our team of solar consultants and designers can generate a 3D model showcasing the solar installation on your rooftop within just 15 minutes after conducting a site survey.
- We offer a hassle-free loan approval process that takes only 10 minutes.
- To facilitate the affordability of solar solutions, we have various EMI schemes available, with our zero-cost option being the most popular among our customers.
- Additionally, we offer a comprehensive 5-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of your solar system.
Our primary objective is to establish a renowned brand that prioritizes the utmost value for our customers.
Overview of an off grid solar system
An off-grid solar system, also referred to as a standalone solar system, operates independently without any connection to the electric grid. It functions as a self-contained unit, creating an isolated island of power generation. This type of solar power plant comprises various components that work together in a complex configuration. The key components of an off-grid solar power plant include:
- Solar panels (modules)
- Mounting structures
- Batteries
- Solar charge controller
- Solar inverter
- Solar accessories
Off grid solar components and their working
#1. Solar panels
Solar panels consist of solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Monocrystalline panels are made from a single silicon crystal, while polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) panels are composed of multiple silicon crystals. Although the efficiency of these two types may vary, their basic functioning remains the same.
Off-grid solar panels are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. During installation, it is crucial to ensure that the panels are not shaded or obstructed by shadows, as this can significantly reduce their efficiency. Therefore, proper placement and positioning of the panels are essential to maximize their solar energy absorption.
#2. Solar inverter
Solar panels generate electricity in the form of direct current (DC), while most household appliances operate on alternating current (AC). To bridge this gap, a solar inverter is required. The solar inverter plays a vital role in the off-grid solar system as it converts the DC power produced by the solar panels into AC power, which is compatible with home appliances and electrical devices.
Similar to an on-grid inverter, an off-grid solar inverter serves as the heart of the solar system. It ensures that the electricity generated by the solar panels can be used effectively, enabling the power to be utilized by various AC-powered devices in an off-grid setup. The inverter is responsible for maintaining the stability and quality of the AC power output, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the off-grid solar system.
#3. Batteries
In an off-grid solar system, batteries play a crucial role in storing excess electricity generated during daylight hours. The electricity produced by the solar panels is utilized to power the house’s electrical needs during the daytime. Any surplus energy is then directed towards charging the batteries.
During nighttime or periods of limited sunlight, when the solar panels are not generating electricity, the power stored in the batteries is utilized to meet the household’s energy demands. This ensures a continuous and reliable power supply, enabling the house to operate independently from the grid, even when the solar panels are not actively producing electricity. Thus, the batteries serve as a vital energy storage component in off-grid solar systems, allowing for round-the-clock power availability.
#4. Charge controller
The charge controller in an off-grid solar system plays a crucial role in managing the charging process. It operates in parallel with the solar inverter. As the solar panels generate electricity, the charge controller regulates the flow of power. It ensures that the electricity from the panels is directed to both the solar inverter for immediate usage and to the batteries for charging.
The charge controller ensures that the batteries are charged efficiently and prevents overcharging, which can lead to battery damage. It also optimizes the charging process by utilizing any excess electricity produced by the panels to charge the batteries, ensuring efficient utilization of the available solar power. By effectively managing the flow of electricity, the charge controller helps maintain the overall stability and performance of the off-grid solar system.
#5. Mounting structures
The proper installation of mounting structures is essential for setting up an off-grid solar system. These structures ensure the secure placement of solar panels and maximize their exposure to sunlight. To achieve optimal energy generation, the mounting structures should be positioned at a suitable tilt angle, ideally perpendicular to the sun for as long as possible, to receive maximum sunlight throughout the day.
At Greentech Energy, we provide high-quality mounting structures that are hot-dipped zinc galvanized. These structures are renowned for their unbeatable quality, offering durability and reliability for long-term performance. By choosing our mounting structures, you can trust in their strength and stability, ensuring the efficient operation of your off-grid solar system for years to come.
#6. Solar accessories
You know the major components of an off grid solar system but there are other accessories without which the system will not be safe. Here are the accessories we’re talking about:
- DC cables and DC combiner box
- AC cables and AC combiner box
- MC4 connectors
- Earthing strips and conduit trays
- Lightning arrester
Working of an off grid solar system for home
The working of an off grid pv system isn’t super complex. We’ve simplified it for you. Have a look.
Off grid solar panels absorb and trap sunlight, converting it into direct current (DC)
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The DC current goes into a combiner box
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From the combiner box, it goes into the solar charge controller
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The charge controller gives current to the batteries and charges them
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The charge controller also communicates with the off grid solar inverter
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The off grid inverter converts DC power into AC power
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Most off grid solar inverters nowadays have built-in battery management systems
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The solar inverter finally passes the AC current to run household appliances
Off grid solar system with different capacities
You know the components, you also know the functioning. So, it’s time that we walk you through the specifics of different types of off grid solar power plants. We’ve tabulated the details below.
| Capacity | Units generated / day | Units generated / year |
| 1 kW off grid solar power system | 4 units on average | 1440 units on average |
| 2 kW off grid solar power system | 8 units on average | 2880 units on average |
| 3 kW off grid solar power system | 12 units on average | 4320 units on average |
| 4 kW off grid solar power system | 16 units on average | 5760 units on average |
| 5 kW off grid solar power system | 20 units on average | 7200 units on average |
| 10 KW off grid solar power system | 40 units on average | 14400 units on average |
Needless to say, the higher the capacity of the off grid solar system, the more units it will generate. The one you choose should cover your power requirements.
Fun fact: Did you know that most houses in India install on-grid solar systems for homes? However, when there’s no grid nearby (in rural areas or for agricultural purposes), a stand alone solar system i.e. off grid solar system is the best option.
Cost of an off grid solar power system
When we talk about the off grid solar system price, we’re talking about everything ranging from procurement to installation and after-installation services.
Including everything, the off grid solar system price comes between ₹85-100/ watt peak including batteries. This price variation is because the end cost depends on the battery backup.
For instance, if somebody requires a backup for 30 minutes to an hour, smaller batteries will be able to cater to that need. On the other hand, if somebody requires a backup of 6-7 hours, the battery size increases; so will the cost.
Putting it out simply, the higher the battery’s capacity, the more will the off grid solar system price.
And we, at Greentech Energy, have the right people, tools, and experience to handle installations from scratch.
ROI on an off grid system
ROI (return on investment) in the case of off grid solar takes more time than an on-grid system of the same capacity. Why? Well, because batteries are expensive. Usually, the off grid solar system price breaks even in about 6-7 years.
This is actually one of the limitations of an off grid solar system. Batteries are yet not that scalable due to their high cost. That’s why it takes time for the cost to break even.
Benefits of using a stand alone solar system
Yes, ROI is a limitation of having an off grid solar system, but off grid power has certain amazing benefits that make it a good investment. Have a look.
- A solar power off grid system is the only option in places where there’s no grid; mostly in rural areas.
- Off grid power is clean and green. Not only does it power homes where there’s no grid, but it also ensures that no pollution is being caused in lieu of generating electricity.
- The cost of fossil-fuel-based electricity from the grid is super expensive. So, even though the investment in an off grid solar system takes a little longer to break even, it is still more economical than having to pay for grid electricity.
Conclusion
A solar power off grid system aka a stand alone solar system is the perfect solution in places where there’s no grid.
Undoubtedly, the off grid solar system price breaks even in about 6-7 years, but when you look at it in a way that grid electricity from fossil fuels is extremely expensive, the cost of an off grid solar system for home will automatically be justified.
FAQs
1. What is an off-grid solar system?
An off grid solar system is also known as a stand alone solar system. It works independently from the grid.
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity and a charge controller distributes that electricity to run household appliances during the sunshine hours and simultaneously charges the batteries when there’s extra power.
The stored energy in the batteries is then used to keep the house running at night.
2. What is the drawback of off-grid system in solar electric power?
Its cost is its major drawback. The off grid solar system price with batteries is between ₹85-100/ watt peak. And the installation cost breaks even in about 6-7 years.
3. How does an off-grid solar system work?
Here’s the simplest explanation of how an off grid solar system for home works:
- Off grid solar panels absorb and trap sunlight, converting it into direct current (DC)
- The DC current goes into a combiner box
- From the combiner box, it goes into the solar charge controller
- The charge controller gives current to the batteries and charges them
- The charge controller also communicates with the off grid solar inverter
- The off grid inverter converts DC power into AC power
- Most off grid solar inverters nowadays have built-in battery management systems
- Finally, the solar inverter passes the AC current to the load