Choosing Between Solar On-Grid Systems and Solar Off-Grid Systems – Guide to Choose Best for You

Choosing Between Solar On-Grid Systems and Solar Off-Grid Systems – Guide to Choose Best for You Deciding to install a solar energy system at your home or office but getting confused between solar off-grid systems vs. solar on-grid systems? To make the right choice, you need to first understand the key differences between solar off-grid systems and solar on-grid systems.

On-Grid Solar System Solar on-grid systems generate power only when the utility power grid is available and directly connected to the utility feed. On-grid solar systems send excess power generated to the utility grid when you are over producing.

These are the most cost-effective and simplest systems to install. Such systems will pay for themselves by offsetting the bills in 3-8 years. On-grid systems can either be put into place with or without net metering.

In case of an on-grid solar system with net metering, while calculating the monthly bill, the solar power fed to the grid is netted at the same tariff at which the grid power is sold to the consumer.

In the case of systems without net metering, the rate at which solar power fed is credited can be different from the normal utility tariff. The biggest downfall of a solar on-grid system is that it doesn’t provide power during a grid outage.

Off-Grid Solar System Off-grid solar systems allow you to store and save your solar power in batteries for use when the power grid goes down. It is meant to be entirely self-sustaining. The best part about solar off-grid systems is that they provide power for critical loads when the power grid is down.

The biggest downside for off-grid systems is that they can’t cater to the

power demand of all your loads since the cost and volume of batteries would be prohibitive.

Such systems require a lot more specialized equipment to function. These systems are not only costly and complex to install but are also not very environment-friendly.

Another major con of an off-grid solar system is that one cannot completely rely on the power company as backup. So, before you make your choice, make sure you consider whether your property can sustain itself without power at certain intervals.

The main point boils down to the fact that off-grid solar systems are not recommended for the average homeowners. They are neither cost-effective nor easily installable and manageable. One will have to pay 3-4 times the cost of a grid-tied system for a similar off-grid solar system with suitable battery power for your needs.

Most of the solar PV module installers recommend installing an on-grid solar system and invest in a backup DG if required. Nevertheless, in the case of remote areas where the grid is unavailable or unreliable, the off-grid solar system might seem an appropriate alternative.

With the onset of policies such as net metering and open access, on-grid solar system projects are on a boom in India. However, take a close look at the pros and cons mentioned above to make the right choice.

Tying up the grid with your renewable energy will not only benefit you but also the environment and the community.

Get in touch with the best solar service provider in Odisha – WhiteShark Energy – to make the solar panel installation right! Contact affordable solar panel distributor in Bhubaneswar Odisha for additional perks.