Yes, when it comes to connecting traditional appliances to off-grid systems, the short answer is yes, it's technically possible to power anything that runs on electricity.
In most homes, we rely on a single-phase 240-volt electrical setup, which makes it relatively straightforward to connect a wide range of appliances. Whether it's an electric stove, air conditioner, lighting fixtures, computers, or virtually any electrical device, an off-grid system may be used. The ability to power an entire household is possible, provided your budget allows for it.
In providing solutions for businesses, we've constructed fully off-grid three-phase power supplies. Let me give you an example: We had a client who operates a camp on an island off the coast of Vancouver, BC. Their sole power source on the island consisted of three-phase diesel generators. They approached us to design a smaller off-grid system that would run through the night without relying on these diesel generators.
Our solution didn't involve solar at all. Instead, we relied on batteries and inverters. Their primary motivation was to save money on diesel fuel as transporting diesel fuel to remote locations is costly and logistically challenging.
We designed a three-phase system that could draw power from excess energy generated by the diesel generators during the day to charge the batteries. Then, at night, the camp ran on battery power, reducing the need to run the generators continuously.
This approach made economic sense for them, as the excess energy produced by the generators during low-demand periods would otherwise go to waste, contributing to unnecessary fuel consumption and associated costs. For their specific needs, we designed a 9 kVA three-phase system, which was adequate to power essentials like water pumps, refrigerators, lighting, and other camp operations during the night.
During the day they cook and do lots of other things where they need power and that's where the generator comes in. And although the Pacific Northwest isn't known for its abundant sunshine, we've discussed having them collect solar power in the future and expanding their system were it successful – they would be able to do so.
Generally speaking, if you have large equipment, we can build systems large enough to run them. Most people running large equipment here in North America, are purchasing power from a commercial utility company paying commercial rates. But if they want to generate solar, and store that energy in batteries, they may be able to provide 50% of their power and that's 50% less than they're buying from the utility.
When you couple that in with the federal investment tax credits to broader goals such as carbon offsetting and a commitment to sustainable energy practices, there are numerous reasons for individuals and organizations alike to consider off-grid power solutions.
Even if we don't build a system that can power everything all day long, it still saves money, and it will reduce their carbon footprint in the long run.