There are three types of solar systems: On Grid/Grid-Tied, Off-Grid and Hybrid Solar Systems
Each type of solar system has its pros and cons, and for making the right choice, we need to understand the key differences between them.
An On-Grid/ Grid Tied solar system is connected to the utility power grid.
Solar radiation is intermittent in nature. It is high in afternoons, less during mornings and evenings. As a result power generation from the solar plant also varies and often not matches with the load.
There are two ways two match the load and solar generation. The first way is using the grid as a balancing element. The second option is using a battery as the balancing element.
If the grid is used as a balancing element, those systems are called On-Grid solar systems.
In On-Grid solar systems, when the electricity produced by the solar PV plant is less than the consumption, energy is imported from the grid. If the electricity produced is greater than the consumption, excess power is sent back to the Grid (known as Energy Export).
On-Grid system does not provide power during a power grid outage/power cut. They work only when the power supply is available.
If only batteries are used to balance variation from solar generation, they are called Off-Grid solar systems.
Off-grid solar system is a self-sustaining system which is not connected to the grid. Solar Panel generates electricity and is stored in batteries. The power stored in the batteries is used when generation from solar is not enough or not available.
Off-Grid solar is ideal for remote areas where the electrical grid isn’t stable or not present. But, these systems are costlier compared to On-grid systems.
Hybrid solar systems combine the best from On-Grid and Off-Grid solar systems. Inverters in these systems manage load requirement using the grid, solar and batteries
In these systems, batteries are used as a backup instead of full-time dependence. Hence, they discharge less frequently, which extends its life and reduce costs compared to off-grid systems.
