Stand-alone also known as, Off-grid systems are a type of system that operates autonomously and supplies power to electrical loads independently of the electric utility. Stand-alone PV system are most popular for meeting small to intermediate size electrical loads, and are extensively used in remote, off-grid areas, or where extending the utility service is cost-prohibitive or impossible, Stand-alone systems may be designed to power DC and or Ac electrical loads, and typically store energy and batteries.
 Stand Alone System A stand-alone system may use a PV array as the only power source or may include one or more additional power sources, such as engine generators or wind turbines. However, stand-alone systems do not interact with the utility grid. Stand-alone systems are sized and designed to power a specific electrical load using the solar radiation resource at a given location. Since the size and cost of any stand alone system is related to the magnitude and duration of the electrical load and the solar resource, energy efficiency is critical. For these reasons, a thorough load analysis is the first step required in the design and installation of any stand-alone system. Stand-alone or off-grid systems are classified by their major components and the manner in which they operate in combination with other energy sources. |
