With over 300 days of sunshine in the Algarve, you can be generating free, renewable and green energy for over 10 months of the year.

What is Off Grid / Independent Standalone System

Photovoltaic PV based systems are generally classified according to their functional and operational requirements. The two principle classifications are grid-connected and stand-alone systems

Off Grid or stand-alone PV systems are designed to operate independently of the electricity grid, and are generally designed and sized to supply AC electrical loads. Stand-alone systems may be powered by a PV array only, or a wind turbine, an engine-generator or utility power as a backup power source in what is called a PV-hybrid system.

The off grid system can also have a battery backup power source. This is generally for use in the night or when the solar energy isn’t enough to power the AC loads. With the advances in modern battery technology, the lithium battery backup systems can be scaleable to suit your energy requirements.

What is Grid Connected

Grid connected PV systems are designed to operate in parallel with and are interconnected with the domestic electricity grid. The primary component is the inverter. The inverter converts the DC power produced by the PV array into AC power consistent with the voltage and power quality required by the grid. The inverter automatically stops supplying power to the grid when the grid is not energised.

If you have any questions about algarve solar feel free to get in touch with the Algarve off grid team.

Renewable Energy

According to figures released by energy associations, between January and December 2022 around 44,000 GWh of electricity was generated in continental Portugal. Only 56.9% of this energy was generated via renewable energy sources which includes solar power.

From 2005 there has been a gradual increase in renewable power. Furthermore, the reliance on fossil fuel has decreased since 2011. Especially now both coal-fired power stations in Sines and Pego have been decommissioned in 2021.

Portugal has the very fortunate ability to generate vast amounts of energy because of the geographic location. As well as the potential of exploration due to the high levels of energy production in daylight hours. In order to promote and attract investment into the renewable energy sector, Portugal has created a regulatory renumeration framework based on feed-in-tarrifs (FIT).

Despite the impact of renewable energy sources here in Portugal, the electricity prices within the Iberian market recorded an all-time high in 2021. This is a consequence of rising gas prices and the upward trend in the price of emission permits in the European Union.

A Greener Future with Algarve Solar Off Grid

Algarve Solar energy does not emit any contaminants or toxic substances into the air we breathe. Air contaminants can trigger cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Solar does not generate any waste product which can contaminate water. This is a very important factor considering the limited amount of fresh water.

Humanity is ready to transition to a low-carbon economy. Especially when you consider the sun provides the earth with enough energy, light and heat to fulfil the entire global needs for 12months. A scientific publication estimates the earths surface receives 120,000TW (Terawatts) of solar irradiation.

This equates to 20,000 times more power than what humans in the planet require. We are conscious of the limited fossil fuels and their effects on us and the environment, contributing to the global warming epidemic.