On-grid solar system generates power, bills based on surplus usage.
Off-grid solar systems generate and store independent electricity.
Solar hybrid system: Combination of on-grid and off-grid solar system
Building & Maintaining The Energy
PV, short for Photovoltaic, derives its name from the process of converting light (‘photo’) directly into electricity (‘voltaic’). Simply put, a Solar PV system is a power station that generates electricity from sunlight. The main components of a Solar PV system are: Solar Panels/Modules: Solar panels consist of a group of small cells made from semiconductor material. When the sun’s light falls on the modules, it excites the electrons, thereby creating direct current (DC). Storage Battery: The best use of solar energy is to consume it while it is being generated. If the requirement is to store this power and consume it in the non-sunny hours, then solar energy can be stored in batteries for later consumption. Solar Inverter: The DC electricity goes into an inverter that converts it into alternating current (AC). We use AC for running our household or office or factory equipment.
If you planning to install a solar plant, below are some things to consider:
What are your energy demands? How do you consume the power?
What is the availability of the shadow-free area on your rooftop or building premises?
What is the buying option you find more commercially viable (CAPEX or RESCO)?
What would be the savings if you go solar?
Most panel manufacturers give warranty of 25 to 30 years, however, there have been plants in operations for 40 years as well
There are various factors involved in choosing your PV system. You might want to research on them before choosing the apt model:
Energy Consumption Pattern
Power Cuts or outages
Various Govt. Policies like Net Metering, Grid Power Access or subsidies on Solar power