What Is Off-Grid Solar System ? Saudi Arabia (2024)

What Is Off-Grid Solar System ? Saudi Arabia (2024)

On-grid and off-grid are the two most common types of solar systems. On-grid means that all the components of your system must be connected to the grid. Off-grid means that you have your own power generation system, but it may or may not be connected to the grid. Each has its benefits, but if you want to get into solar it's important that you understand what each system entails so that you can choose which one is right for your home or business.

What is a Solar System? 

A solar system is an arrangement that uses solar energy to create electricity. A typical solar system includes of-

1. solar panels - which collect sunlight
2. solar inverter - which converts DC to AC
3. a mounting frame - which holds the panels in place
4. batteries - which store excess electricity
5. a grid box
6. and system balancing (wires, nuts etc.).

How can we use Solar Energy?

All solar power systems operate on the same fundamental principles. Solar panels use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to convert solar energy or sunlight into direct current (DC) power. The DC electricity may either be stored in a battery or transformed into AC power by a solar converter, which can then be utilised to power household appliances. Excess solar energy can be delivered into the power grid for credits or stored in a number of different battery storage devices, depending on the kind of installation. A solar system can be 1 kWh, 2 kWh, 3kW, 5kW, 7.5 kW, or 10kW in size. On average, a house with monthly electricity consumption of 1000 kWh requires 26 – 30 solar panels (Each solar panel is 320 watt).

Solar system price- Installing a solar system for a home is  Rs. 25,000 if you already have a single inverter battery and Rs. 50,000 if you already have a double inverter battery.

The three main types of solar systems are-

1. On-grid solar system - also known as a grid-tie or grid-feed solar system
2. Off-grid solar system - also known as a stand-alone power system (SAPS)
3. Hybrid solar system - grid-connected solar system with battery storage

Uses of Solar energy

1. Solar heating can be used for swimming pools.
2. Solar water heater
3. Heating of an entire house with the help of solar energy
4. Charging of batteries with solar power.
5. Power the entire house with solar energy
6. Solar energy can be used for cooking
7. Outdoor lightning
8. Solar power pumps

What is an on grid and off grid solar system?

On-grid and off-grid are the two most common types of solar systems. On-grid means that all the components of your system must be connected to the grid. Off-grid means that you have your own power generation system, but it may or may not be connected to the grid. Each has its benefits, but if you want to get into solar it's important that you understand what each system entails so that you can choose which one is right for your home or business.

On grid solar system- An on-grid or grid-tied solar system is one that operates in tandem with the power grid. This implies that any surplus or deficit in electricity may be supplied back into the grid via net metering. Many household users are choosing an On-grid solar system since they may receive credit for the extra power produced by their system and save money on their electricity bills. You will always have access to power, whether from the solar system or the grid. They are not powered by batteries.

Off grid solar system - Off-grid solar systems operate independently of the grid but include batteries that can store the solar power generated and supply electricity after the power goes off or during the night.

Off-grid solar systems must be properly built in order to generate enough electricity throughout the year and have enough battery capacity to satisfy the needs of the residents, even in the dead of winter when there is often significantly less sunshine.

What is the difference between an off-grid and on-grid solar system?

The main differences between off-grid and on-grid solar systems are-

1. An Off-Grid solar system will continue to operate even if power is lost, however, an On-Grid system would not.
2. A grid-connected solar system is less costly than an off-grid solar system.
3. An off-grid solar energy system is not tied to the utility grid, but an on-grid (also known as grid-tied) solar energy system is.
4. If your PV system is not connected to the grid, you will not receive an electric bill. Even though your solar system generates 100 per cent of your power, if you choose a grid-tied system, you may still notice a few minor costs on your electricity statement.

Here are a few fundamental things to consider when purchasing a solar inverter for your house or business:

1. Types
2. Features
3. Efficiency
4. Warranties
5. Pricing

LENTO 5KVA Off-Grid Inverter-

Lento pioneered pure Sine wave technology in its inverters, UPS and power supplies. The Sine wave inverters output stable frequency and voltage, mimicking mains power supply, making it perfectly suitable to power expensive equipments, especially inductive loads that do not work well on square waves. Most appliances like CFL, fans, motor based equipments like air conditioners and pump sets are designed to work on 50 Hz sine wave. Running such equipments on unregulated quasi sine wave-square wave based inverters poses a risk as regards performance and durability. Lento DSP sine wave Static UPS and inverters are designed to provide stable 50 Hz sine wave irrespective of load and battery voltage, making them the most suitable for inductive, capacitive and non-resistive loads. Importantly, our inverters and UPS are designed to deliver instantaneous high current during start up, especially in case of air conditioners and refrigerators, with safety cut out when battery voltage goes lower than a specified point to avoid brownouts and burning of motors.

1. Lento Eco-Smart 6000 5kva 48V Solar Hybrid Inverter-

Product Specification

Product Description

Pure sine wave are much perfect for hybrid solar system. it has inbuilt sine wave inverter and PWM solar charge /SMPS charger in single unit. It is specifically designed to keep battery healthy for longer time period.

2. Lento 5KVA 96V Hybrid Solar Inverter-

Product Specification

Product Description

Our Solar Inverters (pure sine wave) are very perfect for hybrid solar system. It has inbuilt sine wave inverter and PWM solar charger/SMPS charger in a single unit. It is specially designed to keep battery healthy for longer time period.

For the minimization of electrical power, it uses optimum utilization of solar power with the technology of interactive solar charging with grid. It has very stable output voltage of 220 V (+/- 5V %), even in wide input voltage ranging from 130 V to 270 V in inverter mode and from 180V to 260V in UPS mode.

Other features are it is facilitated with high surge power of starting critical load, simple and easy handling with high reliability. Another significant point is its very low ‘no load current’.

(LENTO) Modified Sine Wave Solar Inverters perform adequate for general home lighting and computer use. These inverters have wide input range of 120V to 270V or compatible of 180V to 260V. This can be selected by soft on/off switch at front panel. The charging current and algorithm is designed for prolonged battery life.

Salient Features:

• DSP based Design with absolute and stable Sine Wave output voltage and frequency.
• LCD display for UPS monitoring.
• Over Temperature protection.
• No noise and no smoke.
• Light weight and very easy to carry.
• Compact and efficient.
• Protection against lightning.
• High efficiency PWM based solar charge controllers.
• Data logger.

What Are the Benefits of an Off-Grid PV System?

As previously stated, the primary feature of an off-grid solar system is its lack of access to the utility grid. This is also one of the benefits that this type of solar system provides. This is advantageous because, in areas where there is no access to the utility grid, off-grid solar systems can be less expensive than extending power lines.

Furthermore, living off the grid makes a solar system self-sufficient, which can be advantageous for many people. This sense of self-sufficiency is more valuable to these people than saving money. Self-sufficiency in energy is also a form of security.

Power outages on the utility grid will not affect off-grid solar systems, ensuring that buildings with off-grid solar systems have consistent power.

FAQ- about - Off-Grid Solar System

What is the power distribution system in Saudi Arabia?

The country currently utilises a dual-voltage power distribution system. In residential and light commercial buildings the Kingdom uses 127 volts, whereas 220 volts is required in for larger commercial and industrial applications.

How does Saudi Arabia use solar energy?

The Haradh Solar PV Park is the fourth largest, with a 30 MW capacity. Like the Jubail 3A IWP, it's located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. Haradh Solar PV Park came online in 2022 after being developed in multiple phases, and it generates enough electricity to offset over 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

What is the main source of electricity in Saudi Arabia?

Electricity generation is 40% from Oil 52% from Natural Gas and 8% from steam. Generation capacity is approximately 55 GW. A looming energy shortage requires Saudi Arabia to increase its capacity. Capacity is planned to be increased to 120 GW by 2032.

Would solar power be a realistic option in Saudi Arabia?

Among renewable options, solar energy stands out for its abundant availability. In the context of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where solar irradiance levels are notably high, harnessing solar energy presents a promising possibility for meeting energy needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

What is the target of solar power in Saudi Arabia in 2030?

Initiated in 2016, the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 initially aimed to deploy 9.5GW of green energy by 2030. However, subsequent revisions, including the latest in 2023, have raised the target to 130GW of renewable power capacity by the same year.

Why is electricity so cheap in Saudi Arabia?

The government of Saudi Arabia, like many around the world, has long set domestic energy prices below international market levels. Subsidized energy helps keep prices stable and energy affordable, providing essential support to lower-income households.

How is power divided in Saudi Arabia?

The king is also the prime minister and presides over the Council of Ministers (Majlis al-Wuzarāʾ), which comprises the first and second deputy prime ministers (usually the first and second in line to the throne respectively), 23 ministers with portfolio, and five ministers of state.

What is the solar energy policy of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia's ambitious goals include reaching 40 GW of solar PV generation by 2030, complemented by 2.7 GW of Concentrated Solar Power (“CSP”) capacity. Notably, the Public Investment Fund (“PIF”), the Kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, is tasked with financing 70% of this target capacity.

What will happen to Saudi Arabia in 2030?

Vision 2030's "Giga Projects" are central to Saudi Arabia's development strategy, aiming to stimulate economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainability. These mega-developments, including NEOM and The Red Sea Project, demand innovative project management and skilled labor.