An off grid solar system is really convenient system if you want to produce electricity while remaining autonomous and without wasting solar energy not used immediately. If installed paying attention to some technical expedients, it is also an optimal solution to save on electricity bill and protect environment by preserving its resources. What exactly is it? How much energy can it produce? What are the costs? Let’s look at every detail in this article.
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What is meant by off grid solar system
An off grid solar system is an electrical system composed of several modules that exploit sunlight to produce energy sunlight to produce electrical energy, giving rise to so-called voltaic effect.
What is an off grid solar system?
It is particular electro-physical effect that uses the photons present in sunlight to activate the free electrons present in silicon solar cells – or in other materials sensitive to sunlight – that form solar panels. Most important element of this type of system is therefore solar field, set of panels that make up system.
Why is it Called Off Grid?
This type of system, also called stand alone or island system, is designed to be completely autonomous without need to connect to national electricity grid. It does not require kW of energy to be fed into grid and ensures that all energy is used for self-consumption. To function, it requires an inverter, device that converts Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC), transforming it into electrical energy that can be used every day in your home.
Unlike on-grid systems, on-grid systems do not require the installation of storage batteries. For this reason, it is important that it is equipped with backup electric generator – or generator set – ready to start working in event that energy produced by the photovoltaic panels is not sufficient to make up for the energy gap required by the home.
Advantages and disadvantages of an off grid system
There are many advantages that you can benefit from by choosing to rely on an off grid solar system. Let’s analyze the main ones:
Independence:
an off-grid solar system is not connected to national electricity grid, guaranteeing complete independence and autonomy in management. It is not tied to any type of contract and allows you to save on estimates, connection costs and fixed costs in bills. Representing an important opportunity for those who struggle to cope with price increases.
Possibility of modification:
you can decide at any time to amplify its power without having to request any type of authorization and without having to respect deadlines and bureaucratic procedures. Each modification can be performed in complete freedom.
Coverage:
with an isolated system it is possible to supply clean electricity even to most remote areas and homes where the national electricity grid does not reach.
What are Disadvantages?
- It is not possible to use the exchange on site, system that sells excess energy produced by plant to electricity grid in exchange for financial compensation. The excess electricity produced will thus be completely wasted.
- Return on investment takes long time, especially if the system is used few times year. In addition, for storage batteries to function regularly, it is necessary to perform charge-discharge cycles that are unlikely to occur with a rarely used system.
- Final cost for an isolated system is high, because it is also necessary to install a storage system, generator and an inverter.
- You need to be sure that you can always reach 100% self-consumption with your system to avoid risk of running out of electricity.
- Read more: 6kW Photovoltaic System: Costs, Returns, Advice

How Much Does an Off-Grid Solar System Cost in Pakistan?
When considering cost of an off-grid solar system in Pakistan, it’s essential to understand that prices vary depending on system’s power capacity and additional components like inverters and batteries:
For small solar kit with batteries and an inverter:
3.3kW System: Costs start at approximately PKR 1,000,000. 6.6kW System: Prices can reach around PKR 2,000,000 if you choose to double power.
For medium-sized homes in regions with mild climate:
10kW System: Ideal choice would be 10kW system, starting at an average price of around PKR 1,800,000.
Remember, these prices are indicative and can vary based on specific brands and models you choose, as well as current exchange rates. Additionally, labor costs for installation will need to be added to these estimates. Switching to an off-grid solar system is an investment toward sustainable living and energy independence.
How many storage batteries do you need?
For stand-alone systems there are three different types of batteries. Let’s see them in detail: Read more 3 Best Batteries For Photovoltaic With Storage 2024
Lead-acid Batteries:
Have an energy efficiency of 75 – 80% and are characterized by low costs. They are easy to produce, but have limited useful life, low energy efficiency and long charging times (about 8-16 hours).
High Temperature Batteries:
They have an energy efficiency of 85 – 90% and are composed of Sodium Sulphur or Sodium Nickel. They are effective regardless of external temperature and have much higher performance and life cycle than lead batteries. Operating temperature is about 250 – 300 degrees C° and can cause safety problems. Finally, costs are quite high.
Lithium Ion Batteries:
They have highest energy efficiency, greater than 90%. The useful life is very long and maintenance required is minimal. However, costs are very high and it is necessary to carry out special charging circuits. Furthermore, they are batteries sensitive to external temperature.
Authorizations for Off Grid Solar System
Are permits required to install an isolated solar system? First of all, it is useful to know that system of this type is 100% legal and does not require obligation to request connection to grid operator. However, there are some rules that must be respected to ensure that it complies with current regulations. For example, it is mandatory to use only certifiable components and to build entire system in compliance with directives of CEI EN 62124 regulation – solar systems isolated from grid Project verification.
Furthermore, for systems with nominal power greater than 20 kWp, it is mandatory to submit electrical workshop report to Technical Office of Manufacturing Taxes of Customs Agency (MTCA) for payment of excise duties on electrical energy produced.
Bonuses and Deductions Available
If you want to install an off-grid solar system, it is useful to know that you can benefit from 50% home bonus or even obtain 110% superbonus if work is lead-in to another type of intervention (for example, if you are already doing coat). There are also various bonuses and incentives made available by State, very convenient if you want to make your home more energy efficient or if you want to obtain discounts directly on your bill. In any case, installing solar system means being able to immediately apply reduced VAT rate of 10% instead of paying it at 22%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintaining an off-grid solar system is crucial for ensuring its long-term performance and reliability. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
- Cleaning Solar Panels: Regularly clean panels to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can reduce their efficiency.
- Battery Maintenance: Check battery health, ensure proper charging, and perform routine inspections to prevent issues.
- Inverter Troubleshooting: Monitor inverter’s performance and address any issues promptly to avoid system failures.
- Panel Inspection: Inspect the panels for any physical damage or wear and tear.
- Wiring Checks: Ensure all wiring is secure and free from damage.
- System Monitoring: Regularly monitor system performance to identify and address any potential problems early.
- Component Replacement: Replace any worn-out or damaged components as needed.
- Safety Precautions: Follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
By implementing comprehensive maintenance plan, you can maximize lifespan and efficiency of your off-grid solar system.
Absolutely! You can expand your off-grid solar system as your energy needs grow. Here’s how you can do it:
- Add More Solar Panels: You can increase the number of panels to generate more power.
- Upgrade Batteries: Install additional or higher-capacity batteries to store more energy.
- Install Larger Inverter: Make sure your inverter can handle the increased load.
- Upgrade Charge Controller: Ensure the charge controller can manage the added panels and prevent overcharging the batteries.
- Assess Wiring and Safety: Ensure the wiring can support the increased capacity and maintain safety standards.
Planning and compatibility are key to successful expansion. Always consult with professional to make sure all components work well together and meet your energy needs efficiently.
Yes, Pakistani government offers several incentives to promote adoption of solar power systems, including off-grid solutions. Some of these incentives include:
- Tax Credits: Reductions in taxes for individuals and businesses that install solar power systems.
- Subsidies: Financial assistance to lower initial cost of purchasing and installing solar systems.
- Net Metering: Allows solar power system owners to sell excess electricity back to the grid, offsetting their energy costs.
- Low-Interest Loans: Access to loans with favourable interest rates for solar system installations.
These incentives aim to make solar power more affordable and encourage transition to renewable energy sources. Are you considering installing an off-grid solar system?
Yes, you can use off-grid solar systems in areas with limited sunlight, but there are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Larger System Size: You may need larger system with more solar panels and batteries to compensate for reduced sunlight.
- Backup Power: It’s often good idea to have a backup power source, like generator, for extended periods of low sunlight.
- Efficient Energy Use: Implementing energy-efficient appliances and practices can help make most of the available solar power.
- Proper Sizing: Ensuring your system is properly sized to meet your energy needs even during periods of low sunlight is crucial.
Lifespan of batteries in an off-grid solar system typically ranges from 5 to 15 years. Exact duration depends on several factors, including type of battery, usage patterns, depth of discharge (DoD), and maintenance.
Lithium-ion batteries generally last longer, up to 15 years, while lead-acid batteries may last around 5 to 10 years. Proper maintenance, such as avoiding deep discharges and keeping batteries at stable temperature, can help extend their lifespan.