Storage specialist BYD sees two main reasons for the installation of isolated or insular energy systems: A growing trend in recent years is the decision of home owners to become independent from energy utilities, even though a grid-connection would be available. Off-grid systems are not subject to the terms, policies or price increases of utilities, nor are they affected by blackouts or grid instability. In addition to these reasons, including the financial considerations, many of this group of “off-griders” use renewable energy sources and are driven by the satisfaction and peace of mind that goes with using electricity responsibly.
Islands as unique challenge for electricity grids
Traditionally the majority of off-grid systems are based in rural areas or actually on islands. Islands represent a unique challenge for electricity grids. They tend to not have enough population density to make it economical for their local government to supply them with electricity using the traditional centralized system and the necessary infrastructure. Islands in general rely heavily on energy imports. Even larger islands such as Ireland for example import about 70% of their energy, making it expensive and a geopolitical issue. As a result, only major pockets of population have access to stable and economical electricity without government subsidies
Islanders include habitants of sparsely populated in-land regions
Most “islanders” – and this includes inhabitants of sparsely populated in-land regions – aren’t ready to take on being their own utility, and the land is priced according to this value system. Off-grid parcels often present a much less expensive option. It can also be cheaper than getting a utility line extended to a property – even if this is an option. In the past many of these systems had to rely on fossil fuel generators. However, these entail high operational costs and generate both environmental and noise pollution.
Switch traditional off-grid renewable electricity systems to renewable energy
Fortunately, the recent evolution of photovoltaic systems and storage solutions has not only made the technology viable but also economical to provide electricity to island inhabitants, regardless of the population density. This is especially true in the case of lithium batteries as they can operate in a wide range of temperature environments, provide high power, high energy density and don´t require any maintenance. So for a new system choice the advantages are obvious. But even more and more owners with traditional off-grid energy systems consider a switch to renewable energy systems. Of course the up-front costs for off-grid renewable electricity systems have to be taken into consideration. However with the growing modularity and flexibility of renewable energy and storage systems, there is also a growing group of system owners who are gradually weaning from fossil-fueled generators by adding more renewable capacity.
Off-grid systems with modular Battery-Box storage system
Examples of successfully installed “island systems” with BYD’s modular Battery-Box storage systems range from school projects in rural Uganda, to farms in Ireland, non-profit projects in England or family homes in Mallorca, Spain.
The Spanish home owner for example didn’t have the option to connect to the grid due to the remote location of his house, which is powered by a PV system. He chose the BYD Battery-Box Pro due to its proven quality, performance and safety levels. The installation by Gest Solar combined 16 modules with 2.5kwh in four cabinets for a total of 40kwh to power the modern high-end house - including its irrigation and farming equipment.
Cost competitive technology – agricultural school in Uganda
But not only more and more well-to-do modern home owners opt for renewable energy to support their off-grid energy systems. The technology has become so cost competitive, that even social or cost sensitive projects decide against the traditional diesel generator or similar sources. In a current installation example in Uganda, Africa, the agriculture school Adraa decided to use a combination of a PV system and six 10kwh BYD Battery-Box Pro storage solutions with a total of 24 modules and 60kWh, to supply the seven school buildings for 200 students with energy and to power a water supply system. The project was implemented by Kirchner Solar Group.
Therapeutic horsemanship centre in Southern England
An example for voluntary Off-griders is the therapeutic horsemanship centre Horses Helping People in Southern England. The owners had tried using a traditional generator to power their Off-Grid home and their non-profit business with ten horses and several other animals but found it both very expensive and to noisy – especially is regard to the therapy sessions with patients and animals. In addition using renewable energy fit in much better with their lifestyle aimed at a sustainable living. Therefore with the help of SolarPlant UK, they switched to a solar system in combination with a BYD Battery Box storage solution.
This shows how renewably energy based island systems with modern energy storage solutions become more and more attractive to a multitude of user groups – whether the main factor is the competitive pricing or the environmental value. (HCN)
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More useful information
Video: https://www.pveurope.eu/News/Energy-Storage/EFT-Systems-BYD-Innovative-Battery-Box
https://www.pveurope.eu/Products/Storage/Batteries/BYD-s-new-B-Box-LV
https://www.pveurope.eu/solar-modules/flexible-modular-expandable-energy-storage-systems
