How to Size an Off-Grid Solar and Battery System in the Middle East

Posted by Nastech on 18th Nov 2025

How to Size an Off-Grid Solar and Battery System in the Middle East

1. What Off-Grid Really Means in Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen

Going off-grid in countries like Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen doesn’t mean living far away from modern life. It simply means your home can run on solar power and batteries without depending on an unstable grid. In many areas across these regions, electricity is limited to a few hours a day or disappears entirely during peak seasons.

This makes off-grid systems one of the most practical ways to enjoy stable power for daily life — from keeping the lights on, to running fans, fridges, washing machines and essential devices.

Off-Grid vs Hybrid vs Grid-Tied (Simple Breakdown)

  • Off-grid: Solar panels + batteries power the whole home independently.

  • Hybrid: Solar + batteries + grid backup. Uses the grid only when needed.

  • Grid-tied: Solar lowers the electricity bill but has no battery storage.

Why Off-Grid Systems Are Perfect for These Regions

  • Unstable or limited electricity supply

  • High temperatures that affect panel output

  • Dust and sand requiring regular cleaning

  • Appliance loads that need reliable power

2. Typical Home Energy Usage in a Family House

A normal family home in Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen uses about 5–9 kWh per day, depending on how many fans, lights and appliances are running. Air conditioners are not always used because the grid is weak or unreliable, so most energy consumption comes from everyday essentials such as:

  • Fridge

  • Fans

  • Lighting

  • Phone and laptop charging

  • TV and internet router

  • Washing machine

Electricity usage rises during the hot months because fridges run more often and fans stay on almost all day.

3. Solar Panel Types for High-Heat Climates (Featuring Ulica Solar)

In hot and dusty regions like Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen, choosing the right solar panel is just as important as choosing the right battery. High temperatures reduce the efficiency of most panels, while dust and sand can block sunlight and reduce performance.

This is why many installers prefer Ulica Solar panels. These panels use high-efficiency monocrystalline cells and modern technologies that work better when temperatures rise. One major advantage is their low temperature coefficient, which means they lose less power during extremely hot days — a huge benefit in Middle Eastern summers.

Ulica Solar panels also come with strong frames and durable glass, making them suitable for homes exposed to sandstorms, heat and frequent cleaning.

What to Look for in Panels for These Regions

  • Low temperature coefficient

  • Strong frames and durable mounting hardware

  • Panels that resist dust buildup and surface wear

  • High-wattage modules (400–600W) to save roof space

With these qualities, Ulica Solar panels offer reliable and long-lasting performance for off-grid homes.

4. Lithium Battery Sizing Rules for Family Homes

Batteries are the heart of every off-grid system, especially in countries with weak grids. Lithium batteries are the best option because they last longer, charge faster and handle deep discharges much better than older lead-acid batteries.

A family home in the region typically needs 1–2 days of backup, especially when the grid is limited. With daily usage of 5–9 kWh, most homes require 7–15 kWh of lithium storage. This provides enough energy for fridges, fans, lighting, electronics and washing machines.

Important Battery Considerations

  • Depth of discharge (DoD): Lithium can safely use 80–90% of its capacity

  • Efficiency: Less wasted energy during charging

  • Temperature: Install batteries in shaded, ventilated areas

  • Expandability: Lithium systems can be increased easily if energy needs grow

With proper sizing, families enjoy stable day-and-night power with no surprises.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Going Off-Grid

Many off-grid systems fail early or perform poorly because of a few common mistakes. Avoiding these issues will improve reliability and reduce long-term costs.

1. Undersizing the Batteries

If your home uses 5–9 kWh per day, you need 7–15 kWh of storage. Too little battery capacity leads to low backup time and fast wear.

2. Ignoring Temperature Effects

Heat reduces panel output. Without slight oversizing, your system might not fully charge the batteries on hot days.

3. Forgetting Appliance Startup Loads

Fridges, washing machines and pumps can cause big power surges. Choose an inverter with enough surge capacity.

4. Wrong Cable Sizing

Thin or low-quality cables cause voltage drops. Proper wiring is essential in hot climates.

5. Focusing Only on Watts, Not Daily Usage

The watt rating of a panel doesn’t matter as much as your home’s daily kWh needs.

6. Skipping Panel Cleaning

Dust can reduce output by 20–30%. Regular cleaning makes a big difference.

6. Cost Ranges and Sample System Sizes (USD)

Off-grid systems vary based on size and components. Below are typical examples for family homes in Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen.

1. Small Family Home

Daily usage: 4–6 kWh
System:

  • 4–6 Ulica Solar panels

  • 5–7 kWh lithium battery

  • 3 kW inverter

Cost: $3,000–$5,000

2. Medium Family House (Most common)

Daily usage: 6–10 kWh
System:

  • 6–10 Ulica Solar panels

  • 7–15 kWh lithium battery

  • 5 kW inverter

Cost: $5,000–$8,000

3. Larger Family Home

Daily usage: 10–15+ kWh
System:

  • 10–16 Ulica Solar panels

  • 15–20+ kWh lithium battery

  • 5–8 kW inverter

Cost: $8,000–$13,000+

Conclusion

Sizing an off-grid solar system in Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Yemen doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right solar panels, a properly sized lithium battery system, and good installation practices, families can enjoy stable, reliable power day and night — even in challenging climates.

Off-grid solar isn’t just a backup plan in these regions.
It’s a smart, long-term solution for energy independence.