![]() ![]() “In many off-grid homes or in remote locations, they might have access to steady winds, which can be used for natural ventilation,” he says. They should also take advantage of the characteristics of the construction site, Lyons says. Designers should specify high levels of insulation, use rigorous air-sealing practices, and even consider reducing the size of the home. Even more than grid-connected homes, off-grid homes must be thoughtfully designed to reduce heating and cooling loads. Propane is also more versatile in powering other systems in the home.īuilding envelope design. A key benefit of propane generators over diesel is that propane can be stored for long periods without destabilizing. Generators designed and warrantied specifically for off-grid applications integrate with the home’s battery and renewable systems to recharge the battery bank whenever the power level drops too low. “Generator technology has evolved to the point where it’s not one size fits all,” Lyons says. ![]() During prolonged periods when the solar panels aren’t producing enough to meet a home’s electric demand, an off-grid generator provides a continuous supply of power to keep the home running. Thoughtful design of the building envelope and use of propane for large thermal loads such as water heating can help avoid the need for an enormous solar PV and storage system.īackup generator. The sizing of electric generation and battery systems has to balance several factors, including cost and the electrical loads on the home. ![]() So off-grid homes will typically use batteries to support the home’s electric usage. It’s not just power generation that can vary usage will fluctuate as well. Energy Information Administrationīattery storage. “It’s not going to provide all the power, on a daily or monthly or annual basis, the home will likely need,” Lyons says. PV generation can drop during the winter or in cloudy weather. But while on-site energy generation is one of the most critical factors in off-grid designs, it’s not sufficient by itself. Over the past 10–15 years, solar panel prices have dropped by a factor of 2–3, he says, and due to that price drop, deployment of PV is on the rise. And for the majority of projects, that means solar photovoltaic panels, says Jamie Lyons, senior consultant at Newport Partners. Since off-grid homes can’t rely on the electric grid, they have to create their own power. For a more in-depth discussion of these topics, and to earn continuing education credit, check out the course at the Propane Training Academy. ![]() The course identifies seven key features that builders and architects must consider when designing off-grid homes. Developed in partnership with Newport Partners, LLC, an energy consulting firm specializing in housing, Energy Options for Off-Grid Homes: The Role of Propane in Off-Grid Designs evaluates the options available for renewable energy generation, energy storage, and backup power generators in off-grid homes. With the potential for more customers to approach you about off-grid projects, the timing was right for the Propane Education & Research Council to build a new training course on designing off-grid homes. And in areas such as California experiencing public safety grid outages, homeowners want to be prepared for life on an unpredictable power grid. Interconnection fees from the electric or gas utility are now extremely high in some areas, while the price of on-site power systems such as solar panels and batteries is dropping. But there are also new forces providing economic motivation to go off the grid. Homeowners might want to live in a site that’s simply unreachable by the electric grid, or they might be motivated to be independent in terms of energy and other factors, like food. Some of those motivations haven’t changed. In an increasingly tech-connected society, it’s ironic that there are more reasons than ever to live off the grid. ![]()
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