The Nuances of Designing an Off-Grid Solar Solution that Lasts
Anyone who has lived in our desert/mountain area for long enough knows that things fade and break easily because of the harsh environment. Sunlight and temperature fluctuations cause paint to chip off and plastics to become brittle. Meanwhile, wind kicks up dust, clogging equipment with moving parts.
For example, we once put a Jackery solar panel with a foldable plastic frame out in the August sun for a few days, and some parts broke off. Things made to work fine and look sleek in other parts of the country may not stand a chance in this place!
So, how do we ensure our Caliente clients’ off-grid solar solutions withstand the test of time? Here’s how our fit-for-purpose approach addresses environmental factors and specific applications.
Utility-grade solar panels
We only source refurbished utility-grade solar panels from southern states like Arizona and New Mexico, where utility companies have strict radiation tolerance requirements for their equipment. These panels have sturdy aluminum frames, built to withstand the year-round sun and high UV in places like Caliente.
Solar frame design
As an optional service, we provide frame design and fabrication plans customized for each client’s production requirement, terrain, consumption pattern, and the solar array’s placement. We dimension the components to withstand the severe mountain wind conditions to ensure safety and protect our clients’ investments.
A steel panel frame design customized to the site’s solar trajectory and the client’s requirements.
Insulation and temperature control
Most solar equipment is specified for indoor use only — exposure to the elements may cause damage and void the warranty. However, “indoors” can be somewhat interpretive in our rural community. Many people store their equipment in sheds or pump houses that don’t offer sufficient protection from the elements, including extreme temperatures.
Batteries should be stored in a controlled, rain-proof environment for safety and longevity. As part of our services, we examine the equipment storage condition and provide recommendations for water-proofing and insulating the structure to ensure the components’ proper functioning, longevity, and safety.
Cold temperature resilience
We typically use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for maximum safety and longevity. However, these cells don’t work when temperatures drop below ~35 degrees — which may happen during late nights and early mornings in sheds and pump houses in the winter. We offer a cold temperature-tolerant battery solution to minimize interruptions.
Protection from dust and critters
Dust can impact the performance of components with moving parts. Whenever possible, we select equipment with passive thermal management systems. Solar charge controllers (SCCs) that use fans for cooling may be cheaper, but they don’t last long in our environment. Instead, we select fan-less SCCs from a reliable manufacturer to ensure the system’s reliability.
Another factor suburban installations don’t address is critters. For example, we’ve seen rodents setting up shop above the vents of a client’s existing inverter. Their urine dripped into the equipment, causing irreparable corrosion. We consider rodent protection during implementation — building shields and using conduits to protect wires and equipment.
A fit-for-purpose off-grid solar solution
Buying the right components is just the first step. The design of an off-grid solar solution must address the context and environment to ensure reliability and longevity. That’s why an on-site consultation and conversation with each client to understand their usage pattern and priorities are integral to our process.
