Getting Started

The decision to go "off the grid" was not an easy one and we viewed our chances of success and satisfaction with much trepidation. 

First, it is a bit expensive to purchase all the items needed to create an off-grid system. It is not simply a bunch of solar panels, an inverter and some wiring. Off-grid systems require all of that, a lot more wire plus a huge bank of batteries, really giant batteries, and a place to keep them. It also needs a totally different and more complicated inverter system, data collectors, an exhaust system for the batteries and all sorts of computer stuff so your system will get along with all your other electrical sources such as the grid and a generator. 

Fortunately, we have a lot of experience with solar (the grid-tied kind), so we were already set up and running a very nice grid tied system at home. Much research was required to find the best components to move from the grid and become completely self-reliant. 

It doesn't happen overnight in Anguilla. You have to get the equipment to the island. That takes time, maybe six months or more.  But finally arrive it did, and Chris proceeded with the installation.

We have an unusual kitchen because the first floor of the house lacks that one extra block height to make it perfect for most humans. Fortunately we are not too tall so we don't bang our heads.
We chose a wall near double doors to the outdoors for plenty of circulation.
Next, Chris built a beautiful box to house the batteries. An exhaust pipe complete with relay driven exhaust fan was installed to pull the fumes out of the battery case during battery charging.
We installed a data recorder so we know what is going on all the time. Information is very important. 

Finally, it is all done, well not exactly finished but done enough so we can turn it on. 

Solar energy is an industry in flux. Everyday someone comes out with a new way to do things. It is a very exciting field to be involved with at the moment. 

Many months later, we are finally up and running smoothly and making enough power for our needs.

Now we start exploring ways to put more and more of the compound's load on the solar system. We have three buildings on property.The garage is home to the washer and electric dryer. In order to be able to safely use the dryer, we designed a load management system that only turns on the power to the garage when there is surplus. To date, we have all the load on the solar system except for the guest cottage.

Terms to understand

Power inverter or inverter...this is from Wikipedia.

A power inverter, or inverter, is an electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).[1]

The input voltage, output voltage and frequency, and overall power handling depend on the design of the specific device or circuitry. The inverter does not produce any power; the power is provided by the DC source.