The On-grid solar system is connected with a utility grid and this system would work only if the grid is available. In case of a power cut, the system will not work and hence the On-grid system is also termed a Grid-tied system. A grid is required since the inverter needs to be provided a reference voltage and the inverter needs to sync with the grid in order to export energy back into the grid.
The On grid solar system is connected with a utility grid and this system would work only if the grid is available. In case of a power cut, the system will not work and hence the On-grid system is also termed a Grid-tied system. A grid is required since the inverter needs to sync with the grid in order to export energy back into the grid.
Solar technology in the rooftop sector has improved drastically over the past few years and has catered to the growing demands of the discerning public. There are many types of rooftops and each one of them has varying conditions like different roofs, different orientations, shadow issues, etc. Within on-grid solar PV systems, there are mainly three different types of systems:
Off-grid solar systems are independent power solutions that operate without relying on the utility grid. Ideal for remote locations or areas prone to power outages, these systems generate and store solar energy in batteries, providing a reliable and sustainable power source. They consist of solar panels, an inverter, and a battery storage system.
Solar power systems come in three varieties; on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. A hybrid solar system has the good features of both on-grid and off-grid solar systems, minus their flaws. The hybrid solar system is connected to the grid via net metering and also has a battery backup to store the power. The energy that solar panels collect goes through a hybrid solar inverter to generate electricity. The most important benefit of a hybrid solar system is the power backup facility. It means you can continue using electricity without disruptions even during power outages. A battery backup helps store the extra power generated by the solar system during peak hours.
Solar panels can be coupled, or linked, to a battery either through alternating current (AC) coupling or direct current (DC) coupling. AC current flows rapidly on electricity grids both forward and backward. DC current, on the other hand, flows only in one direction.
DC-coupled systems typically use solar charge controllers, or regulators, to charge the battery from the solar panels, along with a battery inverter to convert the electricity flow to AC. The solar panels and battery module use the same inverter and share the grid interconnection, reducing the cost of equipment. This also reduces power losses from inverting the current and running separate interconnection lines to the grid, as the solar array and battery are dispatched as a single facility. But this offers less flexibility than an AC system.
In AC-coupled systems, there are separate inverters for the solar panels and the battery. Both the solar panels and the battery module can be discharged at full power and they can either be dispatched together or independently, creating flexibility in how the system operates. The solar panels and battery can either share an interconnection to the grid or run on separate interconnections.
An on-grid solar system is a solar setup connected to the utility grid, providing electricity directly from solar panels while relying on the grid for backup power.
Net metering allows you to send excess solar energy to the grid and earn credits, which can offset your future electricity bills.
Yes, on-grid systems are ideal for homes with access to the utility grid and moderate to high energy consumption.
Lower installation costs (no batteries).
Reduced electricity bills.
Access to net metering benefits.
Easy scalability.
Yes, on-grid systems do not require batteries, making them more cost-effective and simpler to maintain.