How and Why to Design an Off-Grid Electrical
System
This guide
is meant to be a logical, step-by-step manual that describes how
to calculate your electrical needs, how to pick a system that
works best for you, and how to implement that in an off-grid setting.
Although I discuss grid-tied systems, the benefits and pitfalls
of wind, micro hydro, and solar-and briefly touch upon the Peltier/Seebeck
and piezoelectric effects and heat engines-as well as energy generating
methods and storage, this study is mostly concerned with remote
power generation.
I discuss
how to assess your power needs, how to choose the components which
will maximize your ability to use the power generated, and safety
concerns when dealing with high-amperage DC systems, electronic
components like charge controllers, wiring, and batteries. I also
talk about the logic of the system I designed for my needs at
the cabin, which is powerful enough to run an electric chain saw,
and dependable enough to never leave me in the dark.
Each step
on your off-grid energy journey is a logical series of questions
which can be answered, and once you design and build the system
that suits your needs, then you will have learned a lesson in
independence and self-reliance.
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