A Stand-alone PV system is designed to operate independent of the National Grid, and is generally designed and sized to supply certain DC and/or AC electrical loads. With the right system design, the electricity from a PV system can be used to be self-sufficient. The direct current from the PV modules is fed into storage batteries via a charge regulator.
This system is usually appropriate and installed in remote or environmentally sensitive areas, on mountain houses, irrigation systems, public lighting and parks; and generally where there is no main Grid near by or it is difficult or even impossible to use any other source of power supply. In rural areas, small stand-alone solar modules offer power farm lighting, fence chargers, etc.
The DC electricity produced which is stored in solar batteries is then distributed and used afterwards for the various electricity needs whenever necessary. The system has a lifespan of over 30 years and is virtually maintenance free.
For conventional 230 volt appliances, the electricity is then converted in a stand-alone inverter. Special 12 V or 24 V DC appliances such as lamps and fridges can also be operated directly with the use of battery power.
