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Any type of system for renewable electricity that can utilize without depending on the utility grid is a stand-alone-off-grid system. Before you move off-grid, consider some things regarding the system first so you would be able to determine if the decision is right.

Deciding to move would mean you do not need the service of the utility company anymore. Although this move is somewhat good because you don’t have to pay high expenses to your utility provider, the disadvantage here is that it would mean no one will help you to check the problem when the electricity loses its power in the middle of the night. You will have to do it yourself so you can use the utility again.

If you are counting on saving money on generating your own power, think again. Generating electricity and storing for when you need it, even on a small scale, is very expensive. Large battery banks and engine generators are commonplace with off-grid systems and the initial and long-term operating costs can be very expensive.

The battery usually costs thousands of dollars and will only last for about fifteen years in operation. Since the energy comes from the sun, there will be ore energy to store in a day that may overcharge the batteries if batteries are not large enough. To avoid this, you will need charge regulators for the battery. What will happen to the stored energy that has not been used? Moving to off-grid system will require you to move your schedules as well to be able to catch up with the peak times of the supply. All these considerations and expenses do not correspond to your goal of saving money.

Renewable energy through the off-grid system may not be the practical solution. There are times that you will have to use a backup generator just to keep the supply of electricity going. At times when power is not available, you will not be able to use your appliances. This may cause damage to your appliances.

Aside from the expenses and the limitations of the system, you also have to consider the maintenance and labor to be applied in going off-grid. Your independence will require you to gain knowledge about the mechanics of the system in case some problems arise. Instead of hiring someone to do the necessary maintenance for your system, you will save more if you know how to do it yourself.

Getting an independent off-grid system of electricity supply for your own home is really possible. If you have the money for the initial expenses you can easily set up your system. But if your budget is not enough, maybe it is not yet the right time to move to off-grid system. For the mean time, use the system that is grid-tied for your electrical supply while you are still making up for the off-grid one. When you have learned everything you have to know, you might be able to set up your stand-alone-off-grid system at affordable costs.

The grid-tie system is enough for those who are new to using renewable energy. This is utilized by setting up an inverter that connects the utility grid to the main switch of the house. There is no battery needed and the excess energy will go back to the grid. When you are ready to move from grid-tied to off-grid system, perhaps the costs of the batteries and the whole set up is lesser by that time.

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