Off-grid solar systems have gained increased attention over recent years. Interest is piquing for a power system that promotes self-reliance and is free of the blackouts and inefficiencies of an on-grid system. Yet off-grid solar systems are still the vast minority of solar setups; why is that?
Going off-grid is really expensive (and inconvenient).
There’s an appeal in the independence of going off-grid. Accumulating and storing your power allows you to have total control – you can see first-hand where your money is going. Unfortunately, however, you’ll be watching a lot of this money being funnelled into your off-grid solar system – they aren’t cheap. We’re talking five or six figures, although this varies depending on how many batteries, inverters or panels your system has. Either way, it's a lot of cash. We explore the topic of whether solar batteries are worth it here.
Another deterrent is the maintenance of those batteries, inverters and panels. That independence associated with off-grid living means that it’s solely your responsibility to keep everything running. If your system goes down and you’re at a loss to remedy the issue, it’s lights out. Some people purchase large generators as a solution, but these bring added costs and maintenance. Additionally, these batteries, inverters and generators need storage space; do you have the room to house them?
Another significant factor is that it’s not solely your decision to go off-grid. Legislation dictates that you need approval from various councils and this approval is ordinarily only granted to those who live in rural, remote areas.
So should I choose an on-grid solar system?
The most common solar setup is where you funnel your energy straight from your solar panels into your electrical appliances. These on-grid solar systems don’t have any batteries connected, so whatever power you don’t use immediately gets transferred onto the electricity grid. You receive financial remuneration for this excess solar energy but, sadly, this remuneration has been in a sharp decline for years. In fact, this year there’s been talk of even charging solar users a fee for pushing their energy back onto the grid.
The detraction of this standardised solar method is that you’re still reliant on the electrical grid. Due to your inability to store your solar energy, you will have fees for utilising power off the grid.
So with off-grid, you’re independent, but you have extensive costs and maintenance; grid-based, you’re still reliant on the grid and will still need to pay to access energy in certain times of need. What’s the solution?
The best of off-grid and grid-based solar in one.
With Plico’s unique solar + battery system, we’ve incorporated the positives of both off-grid and on-grid systems. You can create and store the majority of your energy needs and are able to experience the level of self-reliance that relegates blackouts to a thing of the past.
Unlike an off-grid solar system, this independence doesn’t come with a hefty upfront price tag. From just one low weekly fee, Plico customers can generate and use clean, renewable energy. Your solar panels can be installed in just one day, too. In addition, if any issues with your system crop up, there’s no need to panic – as a member of the Plico family, you receive ten years of ongoing support and cloud-based monitoring.
The world of solar power systems can seem daunting and confusing when it needn’t be. Solar is a positive and sustainable way to generate your energy needs. With Plico’s solar battery systems, you’re rewarded for your effort by having the easiest and most convenient solar experience.
Have questions? Contact our friendly team to discover how you can generate, store and use your own clean energy 24/7 and enjoy renewable energy on your terms.
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