The solar industry is fast growing and now widely adapted too but one question remains the same even today, should I go on-grid or off-grid?
This question has rattled home owners and installers alike when they have to present a suitable choice.
Both systems have their own merits and drawbacks, and the choice depends on specific needs and circumstances.
In this article, we will explore on-grid and off-grid solar systems in detail, including their pros, cons, and working principles, with the motive of helping you making an informed and right choice.
On-grid or grid tied systems are found in areas with a well-established electricity supply system.
As the name suggest these systems work in parallel to the existing system powered by the grid and hence do not require any additional or special equipment.
The working of grid-tied system is simple.
The installed solar panels produce DC electric current. This current is optimized and sent to the inverter where DC to AC conversion takes place.
The resultant AC current converted by the inverter is matched to the grid’s voltage and frequency.
This current is then directly fed to the existing main service panel either through a breaker or through tap connections, which powers the appliances. In certain instances, the excess current is sent back to the grid like in the case of Net Metering.
The utility meter measures the consumed electricity and, in some instances, the generated electricity.
Now, let us look at some of the advantages offered by on-grid systems.
On-grid systems are cost-effective because they employ fewer components and do not employ energy storage systems. This, therefore, leads to lower installation costs.
Grid-tied systems work in parallel to the grid, so if there is a sudden change in production due to varying weather or other factors, the power supply is not disrupted as the grid is able to compensate the sudden drop in production, thus providing reliable and continuous power.
Grid-tied systems are easy to maintain as they do not consist energy storage systems or complex equipment.
That said, it is crucial that you perform periodic maintenance for the solar panels.
This can be an added advantage in grid-tied systems, as many countries offer incentives, such as feed-in tariffs or net metering for on-grid solar system owners.
These programs allow you to sell excess electricity back to the grid or receive credits, thereby reducing your electricity bills.
Now that we have seen the advantages of on-grid systems, let us take a look at some of their disadvantages.
As we saw earlier, grid-tied systems are dependent on continuous supply of grid power.
If the grid goes down, the inverter shuts down the on-site PV system due to the islanding features present as a standard in grid-tied inverters.
On-grid systems do not provide backup power during grid outages.
This can be problematic in regions with unreliable grid infrastructure or areas prone to natural disasters.
Although grid tied systems offer storage as an option, it is worth noting that such an option is usually expensive.
Since on-grid systems do not store excess energy, you are reliant on the grid during periods of low or no solar generation.
This dependency limits your energy independence and self-sufficiency.
So far, we have seen the working, the pros, and cons of on-grid systems.
Let us now look at the second type of solar system i.e. Off-Grid systems!
Off-grid systems or stand-alone systems are commonly found and adopted in places where grid infrastructure is not available or un-reliable.
They operate independently from the grid.
The working of an off-grid system is slightly different to a grid-tied system, as the majority of off-grid systems employ an additional device called a charge controller.
Sometimes, they also use Hybrid inverters, and if that’s the case, a charge controller is not required as majority of hybrid inverters have a built-in charge controller.
The solar panels produce DC current, which is fed into a charge controller that ensures the battery bank is charged.
From there, the stored energy is sent to an inverter that converters DC to AC energy.
This energy is then used to power the various devices and appliances in the homes.
Let us look at some of the advantages of Off-grid systems.
Off-grid systems offer complete energy independence since they store excess electricity in batteries for later use.
This is an added advantage in areas with limited or no access to the grid, by allowing individuals to generate and store their own power for later use.
Off-grid systems provide backup power during grid outages, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply.
This is particularly beneficial in areas prone to frequent power cuts or natural disasters.
Off-grid systems are ideal for remote locations, where grid connection is not feasible or expensive.
They provide a reliable source of electricity, enabling individuals and communities to meet their energy needs.
By relying solely on solar power, off-grid systems reduce dependence on fossil fuels and hence leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
This ultimately helps in maintaining a smaller carbon footprint.
Like on-grid systems, off grid too has some disadvantages. They are as follows:
Off-grid systems require additional components, such as batteries and charge controllers, to store and regulate electricity.
These components increase the upfront costs of installation when compared to on-grid systems.
The batteries used in off-grid systems have a limited lifespan and require regular maintenance.
This means they need to be replaced periodically, adding to the costs of operating an off-grid system.
Off-grid systems require careful planning and sizing to ensure sufficient energy generation and storage.
Calculating the right capacity for solar panels and batteries and designing an efficient system around it is much complex than a standard grid-tied system.
Choosing between on-grid and off-grid solar systems depends on your specific circumstances, requirements, and location.
On-grid systems offer cost-effectiveness, reliable power supply, and reduced maintenance. They are suitable for areas with established grid infrastructure and reliable electricity supply.
Off-grid systems provide energy independence, reliable power in remote areas, and backup during outages. They are ideal for off-grid locations and individuals seeking complete energy independence.
Ultimately, the decision between on-grid and off-grid solar systems should be based on factors such as grid reliability, energy needs, upfront investment capacity, and long-term energy usage and consumption.
Consulting with solar professionals and evaluating your specific requirements will help you determine the best option for your situation.
Looking for professionals to help in assessing your solar system requirements? Look no more contact us now and book for a professional consultancy.
