What is Going Off the Grid and How Can Green Energy Make a Difference
Posted on 11 March 2020
With the introduction of solar power and other forms of renewable energy, you’ve probably heard the saying “going off the grid” before. But what exactly does this mean? Can households now be completely self-sufficient? If everyone “goes off the grid” will this eliminate climate change?
Before choosing to make the switch, there are a few things you should understand.
What is going off the grid?
This phrase means that a home or business is producing enough renewable energy and is equipped with plenty of storage to meet all their electrical needs, giving them the opportunity to disconnect from the power grid.
Solar battery storage plays an important role in this. Solar panels work hard all day to capture sunlight and turn this into energy, but they do require storage space so the energy can be utilised at night when the sun goes down. This means that instead of going back to the grid at night, you are able to use the electricity generated during the day at night too. As solar battery storage becomes more affordable, renewable energy is becoming more accessible.
What are the benefits of going off the grid?
There are quite a few benefits when it comes to going off the grid. A few to consider are:
- Reduced monthly costs and potential paybacks: Energy costs are climbing at an alarming rate, making it more and more expensive each year to power your home with electricity. Solar power on the other hand is more affordable now than ever, and thanks to payback periods and rebates as short as 3-5 years, you will likely make the money back you’ve spent on renewable energy quite quickly while saving money on electricity bills at the same time.
- Reducing your impact on the environment: Global warming and climate change are consistently a topic of conversation and a very real threat to our planet. Producing less waste and using less energy is easier said than done, but switching to solar power and other renewable resources is an amazing way to make a real impact.
Why are homeowners and companies considering making the move?
There are a multitude of reasons that homeowners and companies are thinking about making the switch to off-grid living. Solar power is becoming more affordable, making it a cost-effective way for homes to generate their own electricity. Tesla’s recent launch of the cutting-edge Powerwall has captured the attention of the public while simultaneously bringing down the cost of solar battery storage. At the same time, electricity prices are steadily increasing making solar energy more appealing to business and homeowners.
Energy independence doesn’t have to be black and white, in fact there are many homes that install solar and still maintain their connection to the grid. There are essentially two choices you have:
- 50/50 or partial grid-reliance means that your home will still remain connected to the grid but with solar and batteries to help meet most of your daily energy needs.
- 100% off the grid means you will completely cut off your connection to the grid and rely 100% on solar power to meet all your energy needs.
Maximise your solar power and reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar panels for your home and going off the grid. Contact Solar Power Direct for more information on affordable alternatives to fossil fuels.
