Stand Alone Solar / RAPS Systems

The other main type of solar power system is what's called a RAPS (Remote Area Power System) or Stand Alone system. A stand alone solar system uses solar panels to charge large batteries which are then used to power the building during non-daylight hours. Stand alone systems are normally only suitable for non-grid connected areas however, in some situations a battery backup system is essential in case of power outage. Ask our solar experts about battery backup if your home or building requires it.

In non-grid connected areas, a stand alone system is a brilliant way to supply power to your house. If you live in an off-grid area, where the cost of connecting to the grid is astronomical speak to our system designers to achieve your ideal renewable power solution.

Stand Alone Solar Power Systems - Main Components

1. Solar Panels		Solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity. See EnviroGroup's range of Solar Panels Learn more about the different types of solar panels and how they work
2. Regulator		Your regulator protects your batteries by ensuring they are not over-charged.
3. Batteries		Batteries store the electricity your solar panels generate. Batteries come in various sizes and types. Our experts will identify the right ones for you needs.
4. Inverter		An inverter is the heart of a solar power system. It takes the DC electricity (produced by the solar panels), and converts it to a more common AC form (like the power that your use in the home). See EnviroGroup's range of quality inverters Learn more about how inverters work
5. Backup		Normally in the form of a diesel generator. Can be manually controlled or have an autostart function or be that kick's in when batteries fall below a certain level of charge. Normally only necessary

Stand Alone systems in grid connect areas.

Installing a stand alone system is only ever advisable if it is impractical or too expensive to consider connecting your house or building to the electricity grid. If you have easy access to the electricity grid in your home we would only ever recommend installing a Grid Connect system (see above) because stand alone systems can be very expensive and require batteries that contain dangerous chemicals. All batteries have a finite lifetime which means the chemicals eventually need to be disposed of and the batteries replaced.