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In any system of solar, the thing that matters is the installation. But before going for that you need to have a check and balance for many things. Of these, the significant ones comprise equipment, tools, and an idea regarding PV systems of solar. Therefore, this article will guide you to its best with the terminologies, differences, and important aspects of the on-grid and off-grid types of the solar system.
On-Grid System
In a solar system, the On-Grid system is regarded as the system which is fully connected to the utility grid. There is a greater linkage of this system with the grid. It helps to generate extra energy that is sent back to the grid. Especially the homeowners prefer it due to an easy system of installation with zero cost of maintenance. Further, it is used for commercial and residential purposes and acts as a productive source of energy production.
Components of On-Grid system
- Solar panels
These are the most important parts of a solar system. Usually, these are set up on the rooftop. Whenever sunlight falls on panels then they absorb it and convert it into useful energy. The electricity produced by such equipment is in the form of DC. As it needs to be present in the form of AC so it is converted. Therefore, for changing this energy inverter is utilized.
- Inverter
Without an inverter any kind of solar system is useless. So, it is extremely significant as it helps to convert DC into AC. Due to this function, we achieve a useful source for running our home-based appliances.
- Mounting structure and bi-directional meter
Solar panels have a massive weight and they need equipment to handle them. For this, the mounting structure manages the heavy load of panels and acts as the pillars. These also help with better coverage in case of heavy winds, cyclones, and harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, the bi-directional meter plays a valuable role in tracking. It is quite important as it analyzes electricity being supplied and imported from the grid.
How does an On-Grid solar system work?
The generation of electricity from this system starts with panels and then follows specific steps to power up a house.
- First of all, sunlight is absorbed by solar panels and the conversion of energy takes place
- DC current is generated and that is changed via an inverter into an AC mode of electricity
- The alternating current is then further forwarded by a bidirectional meter
- AC power is made available to the home for running out the appliances
Advantages of On-Grid system
- With this option, we attain electricity that is produced from the utility therefore there is no issue with the power shortage. Especially, for days when there is a need for immense electricity then this system works in a wonderful manner.
- This methodology allows homeowners to attain surplus electricity. But the thing that adds value is the reduction of bills. You only need to pay for surplus electricity without paying any extra-added charges. Therefore, it not only acts as a reliable source but many of the customers have observed a 90% of reduction in their monthly bills.
- Acts as an affordable resource as there is no need for additional batteries within this system. With this system, you save up your money, especially with extra-added costs for equipment. So, if your system generates more energy than your requirement then you can be credited for that. It is regarded as the process of net metering.
Disadvantages of On-Grid system
- While making use of such an approach the utility must be fully considered. Therefore, with this mode of electricity whenever the utility faces a failure then it disturbs the overall supply of electricity. Due to this problem, this system might face a failure on an overall note.
- For the regions where there are constant issues of power cuts then on-grid is not a better choice. As this system needs a certain time to generate electricity therefore it cannot suffice the loss of power.
Off-Grid system
With an off-grid strategy, the system operates independently without making use of the utility grid. Due to non-interaction with the grid, the batteries are a must there. All of the electricity that is produced by the solar panels is used on-site and stored in batteries for use. It works in an effective manner when the sun is not shining. It is popular in remote areas where access to the grid is not possible or expensive. Basically, it is a complex system. It needs more pieces of equipment and maintenance is also difficult.
Components of Off-Grid system
- Solar panels
Panels are an extremely important part of the photovoltaics system. These are used for the conversion of solar rays into electrical energy. Whenever light falls on these panels then it not only works to generate electricity but also works for charging the batteries.
- Charge controller
This component helps in the determination of the current supply to the battery. It provides an estimation of the amount of current that will be made available to the battery. One of the interesting features of this component is power management. Therefore, it protects the battery bank from overcharging.
- Battery Bank
As a PV system cannot work without sunlight so battery bank is the better solution for that. Sometimes the weather conditions become severe for the functioning of solar panels therefore in these conditions such components store the electricity and perform in the most suitable manner.
- Inverter
The electricity generated by the solar systems is in the form of DC. So, it needs to be changed into AC. This issue can easily be resolved with the help of an inverter. It not only helps with the maximum conversion but also provides a useful resource of energy.
How does an Off-Grid system work?
- First of all the conversion of solar rays takes place with the help of panels
- Batteries are important pieces of equipment in this system. These help in storing the electricity
- Here backup generator can be kept as per requirements as it will help to recharge the batteries in case of adverse conditions of weather
- This system easily collaborates with the home system and there is no need for additional wiring and so it will power up your entire house with the convenience
Pros of Off-Grid system
- Energy independence
Getting such a system means you are having control over your power usage. It helps you to provide freedom against the utility. Likewise, it also has an advantage against the terms that can be changed anytime by the utility.
- Power up remote locations
There are certain locations where utility is neither available nor cost-friendly. But the need for power is a must! Therefore, the off-grid technique plays an important role there. It works as an affordable source and also provides massive energy.
- Environmental advantage
An important advantage of this system is its importance for saving the environment. Here, technology is not polluting the atmosphere in any way. Due to this reason, we refer to it as an environmental friendly system of energy production.
Cons of Off-Grid system
- Battery maintenance
As this strategy requires a battery bank, these are needed to be kept in proper condition. For doing so, only professionals can work and so it needs investment. Further, the batteries should be replaced after their warranty. This acts as a limitation of this methodology.
- High initial investment
This is no doubt a better system of energy, but one thing should be kept in mind before its setup. So, if you are willing to install this system then you should have an idea regarding the higher expenses at the start.
- Lesser storage
There is a greater dependency on batteries and that act as a problem within this system. The storage is minimum and works in a productive manner as soon as battery banks are there. But without these, this source of energy is useless.
Hybrid System
We have discussed two types of solar systems so let us not forget the hybrid type. It is extremely significant as it includes the qualities of both i.e on-grid and off-grid at certain points. It works by net-metering and has a battery backup for energy storage. The most interesting feature of this system is the power storage as it maintains energy production even during power failures. Furthermore, if there is excessive production of electricity then it is also stored by this wonderful system including the utility grid
Components of Hybrid system
- Solar panel
Accomplishes conversion of sunlight into beneficial energy. The rays from sunlight cannot be utilized as such. These need to be converted into the current before running any sort of appliance. Therefore, with the help of panels, this task can easily be accomplished.
- Inverter
After the working of solar panels, the direct current is needed to be changed. So, with the help of an inverter, we can easily make it happen. It works in an effective manner and DC current supply is changed into AC.
- Battery
Along with the working of different systems, we need equipment to power up the entire system. Here battery plays a valuable role. It assists with powering up appliances before any energy is required to be imported from the system.
- Meter
There is a lot of energy that has been produced by the system and there should be a device for monitoring. So with a meter, we can analyze the amount of energy that has been produced by the system.
What is the working principle of Hybrid system?
- Process of absorption takes place as sunrays fall onto the solar panels
- Inverter then helps with the conversion of direct current into alternate current
- Battery has an important role here as it helps with powering up the appliances. If extra energy is left even after turning on the appliances then extra energy is sent back to the grid by the process of net metering
- Here the meter plays a significant role as it provides analysis of the amount of energy being produced
- Utility Grid here works as the emergency energy backup when no stored energy in the battery is left
Advantages of Hybrid system
- Continuous supply of electricity
This system has a continuous source of electricity. It all exists due to the presence of batteries. One of the unique things about this system is that even during outages the batteries work as inverters. Therefore, it is beneficial with constant supply.
- Minimum costs with maintenance.
A hybrid system of electricity generation works in the long run. However, if you are willing to install this system then you need not be worried about the costs of maintenance as it does not need some extra care.
- Management of load
One of the incredible feature of this system is the technique of management. It works during the day and utilizes extra energy during the night. Due to this strategy, it manages the load in a better way.
Limitations of Hybrid system
- Limited connections
A hybrid source of energy is great in many ways but has certain drawbacks. One of its flaws lies in the form of limited connection. So, homeowners should consider this fact before the installation
- Maximum costs of installation
Initial costs matter greatly so is the case out there. For this method, starting costs are maximum as compared to other types of the solar system
- Lower battery life
One of the limitations of hybrid lies in the form of the low life span of the battery. But you can avoid it too if you select a suitable location for installation.
Difference between On-Grid, Off-Grid and Hybrid systems
| Function | Off-Grid | On-Grid | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working capability with power | Continues to work even without power supply | Stops working | Works in a constant manner |
| Costs | Expensive as compared to on-grid | It has a lesser cost of production | Expensive |
| Grid connection | No Connection | Availability of connection | Connection exists |
| Saving | Helps in saving energy by the help of batteries | There is no such option available here | Minimum saving |
| Backup power source | Works with the backup source | Non-availability | Backup available |
| Complexity | Complex system | Not complex | Complexity exists |
Factors to consider when choosing between On-Grid and Off-Grid and Hybrid solar systems
Any system can be better if it satisfies your requirements like energy needs. Following this approach, any system of solar can be selected. So, below are some of the factors that can help you with the selection.
- Availability of electricity
In the areas where there is constant availability of electricity and no power outage is there then on-grid is the proper fit. It just needs a continuous source of electricity. On the other hand, if there is a power failure and issues are there with electricity then off-grid and hybrid serve as better choices with the availability of a backup system.
- Cost of electricity
Any homeowner keeps the balance of the costs. So, installation is highly dependent upon the costs of electricity. So, if you receive higher bills then you can easily resolve this issue by getting this strategy. Here, with On-Grid you can lower the costs of your bills by selling the excess power back to the grid.
- Matters of Budget
Financial matters should exclusively be considered when selecting a specific system of solar. You are definitely going to need funds for setting up a PV system. So, if you are having more than enough money then you can select off-grid as well as the hybrid. But, if you do not have extra money then you need not be worried as on-grid provides you with an affordable means of energy.
Importance of Solar energy in addressing global energy needs
Solar source of energy is the only source of energy that is pollution free. So, this widespread technology is focused to light up as many as possible countries. Talking about the United States, the solar energy capacity has been increased to about 97 Gigawatts. It equals the energy to power up approximately 18 million homes. Similarly, for global energy needs solar energy generation is expanding by 3.6 %. This source stands as the third largest after wind and hydropower. Most importantly, the graphical analysis shows us the idea that this resource is going to be even better by 2030.
Conclusion
On behalf of this study, the Off-grid system acts as a system that works independently. It consists of batteries that help whenever there is some issue with the power supply and also assist the system at night. Likewise, an on-grid system is connected directly to the grid. It has benefits with energy saving. Here, the excess power is supplied to the grid and it also helps the users by paying them. While hybrid works by the qualities of both. Here, the power outage is resolved as it helps with the excess energy that has been stored. So, all of these systems are better on their own but it all depends upon your preferences.