Getting longevity out of your solar off-grid battery system
Going ‘off the grid’ is a term used to describe homes that are not connected to public electricity utilities. The properties are set up with an off-grid system, dependent on battery storage to supply power for the house and property. The batteries are often powered by green energy sources, such as solar and wind power, or a combination of both.
In most cases, a solar panel system setup needs to be in excess of 230V to supply a home independent of public utilities. As solar powered becomes more advanced and battery capacities are higher, the need for higher voltage systems will be lower, but it is totally dependent on the individual circumstances and how much power is consumed by the users.
How does an off-grid battery system work
An off-grid solar battery systems works by drawing energy from the sun through solar panels and converts energy to be used or stored in your solar batteries. The inverter installed on the property will convert the energy generated from the solar panels and provide power to the property. Any excess power that is not immediate used is sent to your installed battery system and sits in reserve for when you need the extra support. This is generally when you cannot generate power, such as at night, or when there is little light penetration from the sun. An off-grid battery system allows you to live without the expense of traditional public utilities. When you need more capacity, you can simply expand your battery system by adding more storage components.
The benefits of an off-grid battery system
Going off-grid has become quite popular in recent years, especially with the push for more sustainable energy production methods and the battle with climate change. There are many benefits of going off-grid which also contribute to its significant popularity increase around the world.
Reliability
As the world becomes more populous and the demand for public electricity hits an all-time high, off-grid system provide a reliable alternative to traditional connections. Without the pressure and stress of burnt-out electricity companies, off-grid batteries can provide you with lasting electricity, enabling you to have constant power, even when the rest of the world goes dark.
Environmentally friendly
The biggest benefit of off-grid solar systems is their environmentally friendly nature. By utilising green energy methods to generate power, you are proactively reducing your carbon footprint on the world. Your system actively contributes to making a more sustainable future for everyone.
Convenience
Having an off-grid battery system means that you have somewhat endless power at your disposal, without the costs attributed to usage. When on-grid systems go offline, you have your own source of power to continue on with the luxuries of your life.
Maintenance for off grid battery systems
Of all the components of your off-grid system, batteries form the foundation of the system. They are generally the component that requires the most maintenance. The most important thing to remember overall though, is that maintenance for the whole system is the best preventative measure to stopping unforeseen outages.
Consider your safety and the safety of others
Your battery system is very powerful and stores vast amounts of energy in one place. This means that they have the potential to cause harm to anyone in the vicinity should something unexpected happen. For your safety and the safety of others around you, ensure testing and maintenance is completed by a qualified and authorised battery representative.
Maintenance schedule
While your system will be able to withstand the harsh environmental conditions and some periods without maintenance, its important that you stick to a regular maintenance schedule with your licensed battery service technician. We recommend having the system checked at minimum every 6 months to ensure that the batteries are not faulty and are operating to full capacity. Your technician will check the solar system panels and inverter to ensure that they are functioning properly, and then move to testing on the battery components. They will complete load testing on the system to identify any faults or weaknesses within the system.
Keep the system clean
This may seem like a bit of a moot point considering that the vast majority of the system will be exposed to the elements, however its important to try and keep the system relatively clean. If your battery system is exposed to extremely dirty conditions, it can affect the systems performance and has the potential to lead to unforeseen outages. If you notice that your system is looking extra dirty, its time to call your service technician to organise a clean out.
Equalising the system
A solar battery off grid system is made up of multiple battery components that are connected together. Each battery has a number of cells that enable energy to be stored for later use. When the battery system is charged via the solar panels, the inputting charge can vary between each of the battery components. By equalizing the system, it distributes the power stored evenly between the system. Your battery technician can help you perform this process and show you techniques to avoid it happening on a regular basis.
Get in touch with the off-grid battery specialists at JPAC Batteries
For more than 40 years, JPAC Batteries have been working to improve the battery outputs of its customers, including those utilising an off-grid battery system. With experience in all aspects of off-grid battery systems, including how to accurately perform maintenance, JPAC Batteries should be your first point of contact. Get in touch with the team today on 0422 629 870 or reach out for a quote for services online.
