Is it possible to run solar systems without batteries?
YES! You can run solar systems without batteries.
In this guide you will learn how grid and off-grid tied solar panels work without batteries, construct a solar tree with multiple 1.5 watts, how to install solar panel without battery and the types of solar systems that do not require batteries.
In this piece, we’ll briefly examine the possibility of using solar panels without batteries and the best way to save cost when installing solar panel systems in your homes or offices.
Let’s get started!
Can a Grid Tied Solar Panel Work Without Battery?
YES. A grid-tied solar panel can work without battery backup equipment.
Also known as an on-grid inverter, a grid-tied inverter operates in the presence of electricity derived from the grid. Usually, these inverters have built-in safeguards, which protect the entire solar system from developing faults.
A grid-tied solar panel generates electricity from sunlight. Excess power produced is then exported to the utility grid. Similarly, when the household requires more power, those needs are also met by importing power from the grid.
How are grid-tied solar systems different from other systems?
Grid-tied solar systems are different from other systems because of the following:
Grid-tie inverters: In a grid-tied solar system, inverters are required to communicate with the grid. These inverters are generally known as the GRID-TIED INVERTERS. The primary function is to enable households to import from the utility and export power back to the utility whenever the need arises.
No Battery Storage: Grid-tie solar systems do not require any form of energy storage. This makes them extremely simple and easy to install. Above all, they are cheaper.
What is the advantage of the on-grid solar panel?
The major advantage of this on-grid solar panel is that there is absolutely no limitation on the amount of load they can carry. Secondly, it also has the ability to export additional electricity to the grid.
Can an Off-Grid Tied Solar Panel Setup Work Without Battery?
No. Off-grid solar panels cannot work without batteries. In off-grid solar panels, batteries are required to store electricity. The only available option is to get a grid-tied solar inverter in the absence of electricity and batteries. Coupled with that, you’ll also need a diesel generator and a zero export device.
In this case, the purpose of a diesel generator is to provide a reference voltage to the on-grid solar power plant. The zero export device simply functions to limit the power generation from the grid-tied solar inverter in line with the load requirement. Similarly, the zero export device also ensures that the generator set is loaded at 30%.
How do Off-Grid Solar Systems Work?
Off-grid solar system works with a battery bank, which primarily stores all the generated electricity and supplies electricity whenever the need arises. Regardless of the consumption of sunlight energy, the batteries get charged continuously.
One of the reasons behind the increase in the price of the off-grid is the cost of the battery. And this is why many people usually prefer the on-grid option to be installed in their homes.
How to construct a solar tree with multiple 1.5-watt solar panels?
If you don't have much roof space, a solar tree can be an alternative. These structures take up less surface area while also being more efficient.
A solar tree with multiple 1.5watt solar panels can be constructed, provided you can do some basic electric and mathematical calculations for designing the entire system. Generally, you need four basic components to construct an off-grid solar system, which includes;
Apart from the above-listed components, other components required include;
Here are the basic steps to construct an off-grid multiple 1.5watt solar panel;
- Calculate the load and how much time it will run.
- Select your preferred solar panel, either monocrystalline or polycrystalline
- Decide the battery
- Select the charge controller
- Select the inverter
- Decide between a series or parallel connection
- Wire the entire system from the charge controller to the battery and the entire system
- Select the solar cable
- Select the accurate size power inverter battery cables
- Mount the solar panel
- Construct the inverter and battery stand
What are the three types of solar systems?
The three types of solar systems are:
- Grid-tied solar system
- Hybrid solar system
- Off-grid solar system
Grid-tied Solar system
The grid-tied solar system works with sunlight as the main source of power. When the sunlight is faint or in the darkness where there is no sunlight, the system suffers the inability to produce electricity.
In this situation, the solar panel setup generates power from the grid. This system doesn’t require the use of batteries. However, if you have batteries installed, there isn’t any need for the grid. The energy released by the batteries can be used to handle all your household tasks.
Hybrid System
If you reside in an area exposed to load shedding or natural disasters, the hybrid solar system is the most suitable option for you. In a hybrid system, the batteries, solar panels and the grid work collectively to generate power. The batteries serve the primary purpose of enhancing solar power to produce electricity, which is then made available whenever the grid goes down.
A powerful hybrid solar system makes electricity available all day. The most useful part of this system is to have backup batteries. In the cases of unwanted power cuts, you can charge the batteries and get going.
Off-grid solar system
An off-grid solar system is most useful for people who reside in isolated or remote areas with an absence of a central grid. In off-grid solar systems, batteries are required in order to generate power in the absence of electricity.
Cost-saving when building a solar power system without battery setup
Cost-saving when building a solar power system without a battery setup should be your priority. If you really want to save cost, then you should embrace the Do It Yourself solar installation. With that, you stand a chance to lower your upfront fees as much as possible. This is because it is undoubtedly cheaper to get a solar panel installed by yourself compared to hiring someone else to handle it for you.
Wrap Up
You've learned:
- The use of off-grid solar panels without batteries
- The use of on-grid solar panels without batteries
- How to construct a solar tree with multiple 1.5watt solar panels
- The three types of solar panel systems
- Cost-saving when installing your solar panel system.
To learn more check out our full DIY Solar Generator Kit guide!