But Zearley didn’t want an off-grid home with energy limitations. ![]() Residing in a remote location like this usually comes with additional energy conservation requirements, such as limiting household electricity usage to when solar panels are receiving the most sunlight. “I’m somewhat of a cowboy, so I was interested in the challenge and kind of being able to give the utilities the middle finger after they gave us the run-around,” Zearley said. With half a year lost to the utilities and unwilling neighbors, Zearley reached out to Palmetto State Solar (now Firefly Solar), an installer based in Greenville, and pitched the idea of an off-grid solar system to be built for, and alongside, a 5,500-sq.-ft building in an unelectrified remote location in South Carolina. When Duke Energy laid claim to the plot, the next step in the process was getting signed petitions from Zearley’s neighbors to give right of way on their properties to run electricity to the site.īut after distributing the petitions, no neighbors signed. That led to a back-and-forth between Duke and Blue Ridge to determine whose territory it actually was. Zearley purchased land located on a boundary of two utility territories in Anderson County, South Carolina - Duke Energy and its energy cooperative Blue Ridge Electric. Presented by Ray Nolan from Specialized Solar Systems.Derrick Zearley’s family resides in an off-grid home in South Carolina that’s powered by solar with backup battery storage. What is interesting is the energy cost saving and energy security that the customer will enjoy which made this particular solar installation a great video showcase. ![]() To view some of Specialized Solar Systems off-grid solar power installations please select this linkĪbove video: A small off-grid installation completed in Rondevlei last week. Above image: A 36-48kWhrs/day Off-grid solar power system hardware installation completed by Specialized Solar Systems for a client Deep in the Baviaan’s Klein Karoo, South Africa Daily watt-hour usage can normally be calculated from your utility bill over a time-period but may require more accurate usage pattern monitoring with energy metering data loggers. Generally, off-grid solar system sizing or specifications are based on your daily wattage usage and peak Wh requirement. Above image: A typical off-grid solar system arrangement ![]() We recommend that the size of the backup power source should be adequate to supply energy to your house and charge your batteries at the same time. ![]() A backup generator or alternative back up power source may be necessary to supplement your electrical demand and recharge the batteries during times when the batteries are inadequately charged due to very bad weather patches or other unforeseen circumstances. In Africa, we are very fortunate with abundant sunshine. Off-grid solar systems must be designed correctly in order to generate enough power throughout the year and have the necessary battery capacity to meet the installed locations electrical energy requirements or demand. Background: Specialized Solar Systems Off-grid Solar Energy SystemsĪn off-grid solar system is not connected to the electricity grid and requires battery storage.
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