stand-alone small solar electric systems
A stand-alone small solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) system operates
"off-grid" – in other words, it isn't connected to a electricity distribution
grid operated by a utility.
A stand-alone PV system makes sense if any of the following apply:
Anyone can take advantage of outdoor
solar lighting – a stand-alone PV application.
- You live in a remote location where it's more cost effective than
extending a power line to a grid.
- You're considering a hybrid
electric system – one that uses both a PV (solar electric)
system and a small
wind electric system.
- You need minimal amounts of power; e.g., for irrigation control equipment
and remote sensors.
For more information on small stand-alone solar electric systems, see operating
your system off the grid. Compare with small
grid-connected solar electric systems.
ENERGY AND POWER