Basic Differences Between On-Grid And Off-Grid Solar Panels

More and more people are moving toward the greener source of energy. The easiest and long-term goal to achieve this is solar panel installation. The solar panel allows you to use the most abundant form of natural resource-sunlight. People have only recently started using this gift of nature to power domestic and commercial chores.

Solar panel systems convert light energy into mechanical or electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. A solar panel system comprises several components that are attached in the form of panels. These panels are attached to batteries that then convert the energy into the needed form. The integrated nature of photovoltaic cells allows you to add or remove the components as needed.

The solar panel system works in the presence of sunlight, or even in diffused light (clouded weather with decreased efficiency). However, these panels stop working when there is no light at all. To cater to this problem, solar panel companies have developed different types of solar panels, namely; off-grid, on-grid, and hybrid solar panel systems.

The availability of choices is always great to have. These options lead to confusion and make the decision unnecessarily difficult. Your solar panel installation company can guide you about the best fit for your needs and get you out of this problem.

However, nothing is better than being self-informed. Knowing the basics about all types of solar panels before going into the market can serve great benefits. The following article explains the basic benefits of off-grid and on-grid solar panel systems.

Off-Grid Systems

As the name implies, the off-grid solar system is not connected to the utility grid. Since these systems operate independently, the battery storage system is a must. The off-grid solar panels are specifically designed to meet all the individual needs of their installed place. To attain this purpose, huge battery storage and inverters are part of this system. Henceforth, these systems cost more than compared to the on-grid solar panel systems.

Off-grid solar systems are best suitable for places like army camps, remote rural areas, remote farms, street lighting, highway motels, communication towers, and other similar remote settings. Aside from these, caravans and RVs are also widely used by off-grid solar systems to power their appliances.

The biggest benefit of an off-grid system one can mention is that you can enjoy an uninterrupted supply of electricity even if there is a breakdown or some problem in the utility grid. You can have the only lighted house or business in a power outage.

On-grid Solar Panels

An on-grid solar panel system is also known as a grid-tied solar panel system. It is the most commonly used solar panel system for residential and commercial needs. This system is comparatively cheap because there is no need for extra battery storage. It is attached to the main utility grid. Thus eradicating the need to have extra battery storage to power the appliances when the solar panel is not working.

The on-grid system in such cases uses the energy from the main utility grid and sends the excess energy to the grid, too. This means you can enjoy green energy without spending a lot of money on storage batteries.

However, the on-grid solar panel system will not work when the utility grid breakdown or has some technical problems. This means when there is a power outage due to grid problems, the power production from your solar panels will also stop. This is done for the safety of the grid workers so they can perform the repairs easily.

Differences Between On-grid And Off-grid Solar Panels

Access To Electricity

With An Off-grid System: an off-grid system has no external source of electricity. This means you only have access to electricity when the panels are working in the sunlight. To have access to electricity, it is important for off-grid solar panels to have huge backup batteries. Only then your off-grid solar system will be able to provide you with uninterrupted electricity even at night.

With An On-grid System: an on-grid system is connected to the utility grid. This means you will be able to have access to electricity even when your solar panel system is not working or producing electricity to meet your requirements.

Billing

An On-grid system: as you know, it is connected to the main utility grid. This means the system is still using the utility services like transmission and distribution. So, you will be charged for these services. Hence, you will have something to pay in terms of your electricity bill.

With An Off-grid System: an off-grid system is not attached to the utility grid. Therefore, it is not using the grid’s electricity or its services. So, you will be free from any kind of electricity billing.

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