An on-grid solar system, also known as a grid-tied solar system, is a type of solar power setup that is connected to the main electricity grid. It is the most common type of solar installation and is designed to supplement grid power by generating electricity from solar panels. Here’s a detailed description:
🔧Components:
Solar Panels: Convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverter: Converts the DC electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC), which is used by household appliances.
Net Meter: Measures the energy consumed from the grid versus the energy sent back to the grid.
Connection to the Grid: Allows excess electricity to be exported to the grid and draws electricity when solar production is insufficient.
⚡How it Works:
During the day, solar panels generate electricity. If this electricity exceeds the household's consumption, the surplus is sent to the grid.
At night or during low sunlight, the household draws power from the grid as needed.
In many cases, households with on-grid systems benefit from net metering, where they receive credits for the excess energy they export to the grid, reducing their overall electricity bills.
✅ Pros:
Cost-effective: No need for expensive battery storage, as the grid acts as a virtual storage system.
Reliable: Ensures a consistent power supply by drawing from the grid when solar generation is insufficient.
Lower Bills: Net metering can significantly reduce energy bills.
❌ Cons:
No Power During Outages: Since the system relies on the grid, it does not function during a grid outage unless paired with a battery backup or hybrid system.
Dependency on Grid: Complete energy independence isn’t achieved.
A hybrid solar system combines the features of grid-tied and off-grid solar systems, offering a versatile energy solution that integrates solar panels, batteries, and a connection to the main electricity grid. This setup allows you to store excess energy for later use while also relying on the grid as a backup source when needed. Here's a breakdown of its components and functionality:
🔧 Components:
Solar Panels: Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Hybrid Inverter: Manages power flow between solar panels, batteries, and the grid.
Battery Bank: Stores surplus solar energy for use during non-sunny periods, such as at night or during power outages.
Grid Connection: Provides electricity when solar and battery power are insufficient, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Monitoring System: Tracks energy production, consumption, and battery status in real-time.
⚡ How It Works:
During the day, solar panels generate electricity.
First, the energy powers the home or business directly.
Any surplus energy charges the battery bank.
If the battery is fully charged, the excess energy can be sent to the grid (depending on the system and regulations).
During the night or low sunlight, stored energy from the batteries powers the property.
If the battery is depleted, the grid supplies electricity.
✅ Pros:
Energy Independence: Reduces reliance on the grid by storing solar energy for later use.
Backup Power: Provides power during grid outages, thanks to the battery storage.
Cost Savings: Lowers electricity bills by maximizing the use of solar energy and reducing grid consumption.
Sustainability: Promotes renewable energy use and reduces carbon footprint.
An off-grid solar system is a type of solar power setup that operates independently from the main electricity grid. It’s designed to generate, store, and supply electricity without any reliance on utility services. These systems are ideal for remote areas where grid power is unavailable or unreliable, but they can also be used by people who want complete energy independence.
🔧 Components:
Solar Panels – Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity (DC).
Charge Controller – Regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to protect the batteries.
Battery Bank – Stores electricity for use when there’s no sunlight (like at night or on cloudy days).
Inverter – Converts DC (direct current) from the batteries to AC (alternating current), which is what most home appliances use.
Backup Generator (optional) – Sometimes included for extra reliability during long cloudy periods or high-power usage.
⚡ How It Works (Simplified Flow):
Sunlight hits the solar panels → produces DC electricity.
Charge controller regulates this flow to the battery bank.
Batteries store power until it's needed.
When power is needed, the inverter converts DC → AC.
You use that AC power to run lights, appliances, etc.
✅ Pros:
Complete energy independence
No electricity bills
Great for remote or rural locations
❌ Cons:
Higher upfront cost (due to batteries)
Battery maintenance and replacement over time
Requires careful planning for energy usage and storage