One of the most common concerns when considering living in Mexico is the stability of the electric grid, particularly for those who work remotely. While the electric grid in Mexico is generally stable, especially in major cities like Guadalajara, there are occasional power outages and brownouts that can disrupt your workday. Fortunately, by setting up an off-grid solar system, you can enjoy consistent power and peace of mind.
Resources Mentioned In This Video:
- Download our Moving to Mexico guide here.
Stability of the Electric Grid in Mexico
Living in Mexico offers many benefits, but the stability of the electric grid can vary depending on your location. In Guadalajara, where we reside, the grid is fairly reliable. However, during storms or heavy rains, power outages can occur, especially in older neighborhoods with dense tree coverage. These outages can range from a brief five-minute brownout to several hours of no electricity, which can be particularly challenging if you work from home.
The Benefits of an Off-Grid Solar System
To counter the occasional instability, we decided to invest in an off-grid solar system specifically designed for our office and computer equipment. This system ensures that even when the grid power is down, we can continue to work without interruption. Since installing the off-grid solar system, we haven’t experienced a single workday where the power was unavailable, even during the worst storms.
Setting Up Our Off-Grid Solar System in Mexico
Here’s how we set up our off-grid solar system in our home in Guadalajara, Mexico:
- Solar Panels: We installed two solar panels on our flat roof, securely connected to avoid any issues with wind. These panels are not grid-tied, meaning they operate independently to power our office equipment.
- Solar Charge Controller: The solar panels are connected to a Must MPPT charge controller, which we purchased from AliExpress. This controller manages the power flow from the panels to the battery and ensures efficient charging.
- Battery and Inverter: The power generated by the solar panels is stored in a 100 amp-hour battery, which is then used to power our devices through a 700-watt inverter. The system includes multiple breakers to manage the power flow safely.
- Automatic Transfer Switch: Our setup includes an automatic transfer switch that toggles between solar power and grid power. This switch ensures that if the grid power goes out, our system seamlessly transitions to solar, and vice versa.
- Home Automation: We’ve integrated the system with Home Assistant, which monitors the battery voltage and controls the power switches. This setup allows us to maximize solar energy use during the day and switch to grid power when necessary.
How the Off-Grid Solar System Performs in Mexico
Since implementing this off-grid solar system, we’ve experienced uninterrupted power supply, even during significant storms that knocked out electricity in the surrounding neighborhood. The only time we had to reduce power usage was during an extended outage overnight, but by morning, the solar panels were back in action, and we were able to resume work without any issues.
Conclusion
Living in Mexico, especially in sunny areas like Guadalajara, presents a unique opportunity to harness solar energy. An off-grid solar system not only provides stability for those who work remotely but also offers a reliable backup during power outages. If you’re planning on living in Mexico, investing in an off-grid solar system could be the key to maintaining a consistent power supply, ensuring that your work and daily life are never disrupted.