A power plant with an autonomous solar inverter: we analyze its features

Autonomous solar power plant: complete independence from centralized power supply

The idea of a private solar power plant is quite attractive. In the minds of ordinary Ukrainians, this is an opportunity to completely get rid of the influence of local Oblenergos. But not all solar power plants can help you with this. In fact, not all of them! Different types of solar power plants solve different problems, so you should clearly understand which type of solar power plant will suit your needs: grid-tied, hybrid, or stand-alone? Let us say right away: only stand-alone solar power plants can be called truly energy-independent, because they have nothing to do with the general power grid, but are a source of electricity in themselves.

What is an autonomous solar power plant? It is a set of equipment consisting of the following elements:

• A set of photovoltaic panels that convert solar radiation into a direct electric current;
• A stand-alone voltage inverter that converts direct current into alternating current and powers all other equipment;
• A set of rechargeable batteries that accumulate already converted electricity;
• Additional equipment – panel mounts, cables, etc.

The idea of an autonomous solar power plant is that it extracts electricity from sunlight, stores it in its own batteries, and powers everything that is connected to it. Autonomous SPPs provide neither switching to the centralized power grid nor selling surplus generation under the Green Tariff.

Advantages of an autonomous solar power plant

What can be attributed to the advantages of a solar power plant with an autonomous solar inverter?

• Full autonomy from the power supply, because your solar station is the main source.
• The ability to receive environmentally friendly and safe electricity wherever the sun shines.
• Electricity consumption control is complete, because you will not be able to use more than your SPP generates, so you will always know your consumption level.
• Quick installation and fairly simple operation is another advantage.

Disadvantages of autonomy: when it is not worth buying an autonomous power plant

At the same time, there are several disadvantages of autonomous SPPs.

• They do not allow you to attract the “Green Tariff” and make a profit from the generated energy. Such a station works only for your farm.
• They depend on solar activity, so generation can fluctuate depending on the time of day, weather, or season.
• The presence of batteries means additional costs for their maintenance and regular replacement, as the battery life is limited.
• If the generation is insufficient or the station is not working properly, you will be left without a source of energy.
• In addition, autonomous SPPs are usually quite expensive.

However, these factors are offset by the rather narrow and specific field of application of off-grid solar power plants. They are irreplaceable:

• In remote areas where there are no centralized power grids;
• For powering country houses where you live seasonally or temporarily;
• For installation in campsites, recreation areas, remote recreation centers;
• On farms or agricultural enterprises, in particular for powering remote areas.

Therefore, this type of solar power plant should not be completely dismissed, despite all the existing shortcomings.

Types of autonomous SPPs: what they are – a guide for future owners

If you do decide to buy a stand-alone inverter and photovoltaic panels to create your own off-grid solar power plant, what should you consider?

• Form factor: a stand-alone portable solar power plant is best suited for seasonal camping or outdoor events, but to power your home, it is better to install a stationary full-fledged system with a network of photovoltaic panels and a control unit.
• Power: estimate how much and how often you need to power your appliances. For example, a 1 kW autonomous solar power plant will power a minimum of appliances and is suitable for a small country house or kiosk, or as an emergency source of electricity in an apartment or private house. But a powerful 30 kW autonomous solar power plant, although its price is quite high, will be a full-fledged source of electricity for an office or farm.
• Quality of equipment: since stand-alone SPPs have the status of the sole and main source of electricity, the requirements for quality, reliability and durability of equipment are higher than for grid-connected ones.
• Warranties and service. In addition to the station itself, you should also think about who will maintain and repair it if necessary. Choose a company that will provide a warranty for all equipment (for example, at iSolar, we provide a decade-long warranty) and introduce comprehensive service and even remote monitoring.

Summarizing: when to buy an autonomous power plant and what characteristics to consider

So, it is worth buying an autonomous solar power plant if you live in a remote area where there is no centralized power grid or it works poorly. It will help you to equip a country house, a separate shop, help you to organize events in remote parts of the country or equip seasonal recreation centers. It can also be a backup autonomous source of electricity in your household. However, it will not give you the opportunity to earn money under the Green Tariff or switch from the general grid to your SPP if necessary. As for the choice, it is better to seek the help of specialists and choose a company where you can not only buy equipment for the SPP, but also get a guarantee, service and ongoing assistance. This is the offer iSolar has for you. So, for a high-quality autonomous solar power plant, contact us.