
Solar Panels

An off-grid solar system must have all the necessary equipment to generate, supply and store solar energy onsite. Off-grid solar systems are also referred to as standalone solar power systems, as they operate without a connection to any external power source. Off-grid solar systems are made up of 12 volt solar panels (or modules) that can be used individually or combined into a single array. The solar panels use a solar charge controller to send power to charge solar batteries and a solar inverter to convert direct current (DC), which the solar panel generates, to useable alternating current (AC). Off-grid solar systems are ideal for remote rural areas and applications where power sources are either impractical or unavailable.
Solar panels are made up of silicon based photovoltaic (PV) cells which generate DC electricity from sunlight. The PV cells are linked together within the solar panel and connected to other panels using cables. The amount of solar energy generated depends on the orientation and tilt angle of the panels, the efficiency of the panels, plus any losses due to dirt, shading and ambient temperature.
Many off-grid solar systems are used in industrial applications that may be located in potentially hazardous areas. These include: remote telemetry, Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA), gas flow meters, gas well injection pumps, communication hubs, off-shore platforms and central station monitoring. Class 1, Division 2 certification permits use of electrical devices in environments where explosive gases are periodically present. Many solar panels designed for industrial off-grid applications will have this certification.