Solar On/Grid Off Grid:
As the demand and prices of electricity have kept on rising, the world looks at renewable energy sources for its power needs. In recent years, solar energy has become a popular renewable energy source because of its falling costs and improving efficiencies.
1) On Grid Solar System
2) Off Grid Solar System
1) On Grid Solar System
An on-grid or grid-tied solar system is a system that works along with the grid. This means that any excess or deficiency of power can be fed to the grid through net metering (Bi-Directional meter). Many residential users are opting for an On-grid solar system as they get a chance to enjoy credit for the excess power their system produces and save on their electricity bills. You will always have power either from the solar system or from the grid as such no battery require.
Which appliances run on the grid-tied solar system ?
The on-grid system works in sync with the grid, unlike inverters, there is no limitation in the grid-tied systems, you can run everything off your home on the grid-tied solar system. For example, a 1 kW on-grid system can run 5 kW power.
Drawbacks
*Does not come with backup, the system does not work when there is a power cut.
2) Off Grid Solar System
A solar system is a setup that generates electricity by utilizing the solar energy system. A typical solar system consists of solar panels (which absorb sunlight), inverter (which converts DC into AC), mounting structure (that hold the panels in place), batteries (to store the extra power generated), grid box and balance of systems (wires, nuts etc.). A solar system comes in various sizes like 1 kWh, 2 kWh 3 Kw, 5 Kw, 7.5 Kw, and 10 Kw.
What appliances will be running on off-grid solar powered system?
In off-grid solar-powered system, how much power you can run depends upon the power of Inverter and it's efficiency, generally all inverter comes with 80% efficiency, so, if you buy 3 kw Inverter system then up to 2,400 watts of peak power you can run at given point of time. An 1.5 ton inverter air-conditioner and 0.5 HP submersible can be run on 3 Kw Solar System successfully.
What is the difference between on grid and off grid solar system?
The main differences between a grid-connected solar system (on-grid) and a stand-alone solar system (off-grid) are:
An Off-Grid solar system will work even after a power cut, whereas an On-Grid won't work.
Off-Grid solar system is more expensive than a grid-connected solar system.
