Solar Systems may seem fairly simple to comprehend, Install and maintain which they are but like most investments the devil is in the details. It isn’t so much the devil, rather a case of being “one size does not fit all.” It is important to understand what fits best for your home and your requirements. We’ll try to explain to you how On-Grid Systems work and how this may be the best fit for you.
What is an On-Grid System?
Solar energy systems are classified into 3 types
- On-Grid
- Off-Grid
- Hybrid
The focus of this article is on understanding On-Grid Systems. It is a Solar energy generating system which is connected to the power grid. Peculiar, isn’t it? I’m sure when you started reading about solar the idea was to get rid of the conventional energy solutions and look for green options. Do not worry we’ll quash your fears by the time we’re done explaining to you the magic of On-Grid systems.
A Solar System unlike a regular power system does not produce the same power throughout the day, external factors affect the power generation capabilities of your system. So, when it’s bright and sunny outside you might be generating more power than you need. Now, where does this excess power go? You can either store it with the help of batteries and use it later, or you can send this excess power back to your Power Grid. An On-Grid system applies the second solution with the help of a bi-directional meter, a concept known as net-metering.
Conventional meters in our homes only calculate the power in one direction, i.e. the amount of power consumed, Uni-directional meters. A bi-directional meter is able to note the power consumed as well as the power sent back to the grid. So, any excess power that is generated can be sent back to the grid and your meter would log it for you. That means If I can produce enough power during the day using solar which could help me through the night, then essentially my bill would be 0. You are basically farming your power and selling the excess electricity, the Discom would provide you with credits and you can utilise them when your solar system cannot fulfill your power needs.
All hunky dory so far, there is a catch though. Since the system doesn’t employ batteries in case of a power outage from the grid, the system shuts down in order to protect itself. As there is no way for the excess power to go to the system becomes a danger for itself if it keeps producing excess power. In order to make sure that it doesn’t, the system is shut down for its own good. So, this system works best where you don’t expect a lot of power outages.
Benefits of On-Grid
- Zero Bill– Sounds almost too good to be true, In all honesty it is, although it depends on location to location but you can reach a zero bill point and in some cases transfer your credits to following months or even get paid. If you can lower your consumption then you might just live to see the day of the zero electricity bill.
- Low Cost– Batteries are a drain on your pocket. On-grid systems do not employ them and are therefore cheaper as compared to other systems. They’re also convenient to install and make a great fit for household usage.
- Least Maintenance– Once again no batteries makes it an easy to install and maintain system. You won’t need to worry about non-existent batteries burning out. Sounds almost like a dream come true.
- Savings– All things great, but this is where On-grid systems score heavy. Lack of batteries make them cost effective, Lesser parts make them easy to install. Again no batteries make them easy to maintain. On the fixed cost front they are the cheapest, now for daily savings everyday your excess electricity is sold to the grid and if you’re smart you could even make money from the sun. All of this combined turns an on-grid system into a money saving financial instrument, you never thought was possible.
Do give our blog a read for all your solar-related questions. You can also check out other interesting updates on solar on our Facebook page (facebook.com/zunroof)
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