Off grid solar system for profitable energy source in Missouri

Abstract

The main purpose of this project is to prove how much a solar system as source of energy could save us a huge amount of money and how it can completely replace the electric utility system in Missouri. Over 80% of today's energy source is from non-renewable energy sources such as coal, diesel, and natural gas. One of the main choice to reduce the consumptions of these non-renewable sources and to provide a cheaper and healthier energy usage to the public is using a solar energy system. As the technology is growing faster, the number of solar panel industries is growing, and this brings a decline in the price of the panels to give a better opportunity for the public to use a solar energy system for their home. There are two main choices of solar installation, on-grid and off-grid system of solar panel installation. At this time the state of Missouri has a strict rule about solar installation that all solar panel installations must be tightly connected to the public utility. And because of these reasons, this research will be a proposal for the state to consider an off grid system of solar installation as a possible choice for home owners, because it has a greater benefit on saving money comparing to the electric utility and the on grid system of solar installation. Both on grid and off grid systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, and even though the research will cover some information on how the on-grid system of solar installation could save you some amount of money over the course twenty five years, the main research is directed at off-grid systems that could save a huge amount of money by being almost free from any non-renewable energy sources. A small amount of non-renewable energy such as natural gas for the generator can be used for this system at the time where there is no sun shine. So, this research will start with some choices on the on-grid system, and it will later discuss in detail on how the design and cost of the off grid system could provide an efficient and affordable renewable energy source in Missouri.