Solar Systems Explained – On Grid, Off Grid, and Hybrid Systems
Are you confused about choosing the best solar system for your property? Read on to find out!
On Grid Solar Systems
On-grid solar systems are also known as “Grid-Tie” or “Grid-Feed” systems. On Grid systems are the most common ones among the three and are the most affordable one. These systems use an inverter and do not store electricity in a battery but instead they are connected to the grid. This means that all the excess electrical power generated by an on grid solar system, directly goes to the grid. For the energy you export you will receive credits or feed-in-tariff (FiT).
An important part of this configuration is the Meter, this electrical device keeps track of how much electricity is being produced by your solar system, and how much of it is being used by the utility grid that you’re connected to. This meter is often provided by the utility grid themselves or you could get a certified one of your own choice. In most states credits are issued only for the amount of electricity that has been exported to the grid and not for the total energy produced.
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Off-grid solar systems are also known as “SAPS” (Stand-Alone Power Systems). An off grid system,unlike an on grid system, has a storage battery and is not connected to the electricity grid. It will continue to produce the energy you need throughout the year and the excess energy is stored in the battery as long as the capacity of the battery installed meets your energy requirements. The off grid solar systems are comparatively more expensive than on grid systems.
Though they are more expensive, they come with the freedom of never needing to pay for your electrical usage. Why think of them as an added expense, instead those batteries are also an asset that has an intrinsic value. This configuration is best suited for households that are out of reach from a power grid but you still need electricity there. With more parts, your system gets a little more complicated and has an increased maintenance cost.
Hybrid Solar Systems
Hybrid solar systems are grid connected solar systems that have a battery storage, so a modernized version of both on and off grid solar systems. In this configuration, the solar system is connected to the local power grid via the electricity usage tracking Meter but also has a battery bank as a backup power source for the household.
During the day when you have plenty of sunlight, the panels produce electricity for the house’s needs, and the excess is stored in the battery bank. Once the batteries are fully charged the excess is exported off to the grid, thus having additional savings in the form of credits. During the night when the solar panels are not producing electricity, your grid-connected system takes energy from the grid to power household appliances and also to recharge the battery bank in case they have depleted. Thus making this configuration the best of both worlds.
Are you still confused? Call us now, and let us guide you!
Tanway Engineering, a clean energy council accredited installer, operating in Perth/Brisbane guides rooftop solar panel systems for Commercial/Residential/Business places. We visit your place to get an understanding of your surroundings and guide you in selecting the best fit equipment. Tanway Engineering provides photovoltaic solar systems with varying energy outputs that are suitable for your residence or home or business. Contact us now to know more!
