Energy
Designing homes to conserve energy and use it efficiently, from sources that cause least environmental harm.
Stand-alone generation
A stand-alone power system is not connected to the grid power and relies solely on generating power on site. Power generated is stored in batteries.
- Stand-alone system
Backup should be provided by batteries or a fossil fuel generator.
Find out:
- what stand-alone power generation systems are
- costs for stand-alone power generation
- about converting DC to AC power.
What are stand-alone power generation systems
The principal components of a stand-alone system are:
A back-up power source may also be included.
The power sources for stand-alone generation systems include:
- solar panels
- wind turbines
- micro-hydro
- micro-CHP (combined heat and power) units
- diesel or petrol generators
- a combination of any of the above.
Costs for stand-alone power generation
If the grid connection costs are approximately $30,000 or higher, then a stand-alone energy system should be considered. Costs for stand-alone systems vary widely – factors such as system size, geography, available natural energy resources, level of automation required and level of back-up power all have an impact on the cost.
A stand-alone system could cost between $30,000 and $60,000, so the capital investment may be similar to a mains connection option. But the on-going costs will be lower and the owner controls the power system.
Converting DC to AC power
A stand-alone system typically generates power as direct current (DC) supply whereas most appliances require an alternating current (AC) power supply.
DC power may be reticulated to lights and small DC-powered appliances as a means of providing a cost-effective and energy-efficient supply to a small demand system (12 or 24 volts) such as to a remote hut, caravan or house bus.
Most households require AC reticulation as AC is at a higher voltage and appliances are generally designed to use AC current. An inverter converts the DC power generated and stored in the batteries to AC power (normal grid power) for reticulation around the house.