Difference between Off Grid and On Grid Solar System 2023
Difference between Off Grid and On Grid Solar System 2023
On-grid system is one in which the solar power system is connected to the utility's power grid while being off-grid means the system works independently and the consumer is not connected to the utility's power system
On-grid systems
On-grid system is the one in which solar power system is connected to the utility’s power grid. The excess power generated is sent to the utility grid and the consumer gets compensated for it. Similarly, when the system underproduces power, the consumer can draw electricity from the grid and pay for the units used.
Being tied to a grid is beneficial as the consumer does not need to buy an expensive battery backup to store excess energy. This makes on-grid systems more popular in residential spaces.
Businesses also use the system to meet their daily requirement and earn income from the excess power generated. However, being connected to the grid means the consumer may have to face power outages. A consumer can use net metering for on-grid systems.
Off-grid systems
Being off-grid means the system works independently and the consumer is not connected to any utility's power system. This system uses batteries to store generated solar power
What is a Solar System?
A solar system is an arrangement that uses solar energy to create electricity. A typical solar system includes of-
- solar panels - which collect sunlight
- solar inverter - which converts DC to AC
- a mounting frame - which holds the panels in place
- batteries - which store excess electricity
- a grid box
- and system balancing (wires, nuts etc.).
Lento Industries pvt. ltd specialize in offgrid solar invertor .
Available Variants –
Solar Hybrid Inverter / PCU (MPPT Type)
Available Variants:
LENTO Off Grid 1100 VA 12 V Solar Inverter
| Brand |
LENTO |
| Model |
1100VA 12V |
| Capacity |
1100VA 12 V |
| Grid Type |
Off Grid |
| Input Voltage |
12V DC |
Lento Eco-Smart 6000 5kva 48V Solar Hybrid Inverter
| Brand |
Lento |
| Model |
Eco-Smart 6000 |
| Capacity |
5000VA |
| Grid Type |
Off Grid |
| Input Voltage |
48V |
Pure sie wave are much perfect for hybrid solar system. it has inbuilt sine wave inverter and PWM solar charge /SMPS charger in single unit. it is speciclly designd to keep battery healthy for longer time period.
All solar power systems operate on the same fundamental principles. Solar panels use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to convert solar energy or sunlight into direct current (DC) power. The DC electricity may either be stored in a battery or transformed into AC power by a solar converter, which can then be utilised to power household appliances. Excess solar energy can be delivered into the power grid for credits or stored in a number of different battery storage devices, depending on the kind of installation. A solar system can be 1 kWh, 2 kWh, 3kW, 5kW, 7.5 kW, or 10kW in size. On an average a house with monthly electricity consumption of 1000 kWh requires 26 – 30 solar panels (Each solar panel is of 320 watt).
The three main types of solar system are-
- On-grid - also known as a grid-tie or grid-feed solar system
- 2. Off-grid - also known as a stand-alone power system (SAPS)
- 3. Hybrid - grid-connected solar system with battery storage
On-grid and off-grid are the two most common types of solar systems. On-grid means that all the components of your system must be connected to the grid. Off-grid means that you have your own power generation system, but it may or may not be connected to the grid. Each has its benefits, but if you want to get into solar it's important that you understand what each system entails so that you can choose which one is right for your home or business.
What is an Off-Grid Solar System?
Off-grid solar systems operate independently of the grid but include batteries that can store the solar power generated and supply electricity after the power goes off or during the night.
The Main Parts Of An Off-Grid System
- Solar Panels
- DC-AC grid-tied solar inverter
- Solar cables
- Mounts
- Charge Controller
- Battery Bank
- A Connected Load
Off-grid solar systems must be properly built in order to generate enough electricity throughout the year and have enough battery capacity to satisfy the needs of the residents, even in the dead of winter when there is often significantly less sunshine.
How does an off-grid solar system work?
An off-grid solar system is significantly more sophisticated than regular solar systems, but that complexity allows it to accomplish a lot more. Most people who build an off-grid solar system want to use solar to meet all of their energy demands. That implies they'd be completely self-sufficient. As a result, many of these systems are typically found in more isolated regions where access to electricity is difficult.
A solar panel, a solar inverter, a battery, and system balancing are the four major components of an off-grid solar system. The panels, like typical systems, catch sunlight and transfer it to an inverter, which converts the energy into power. Finally, it is sent to a battery inverter, where the energy is stored until needed. A charge controller is required if you wish to run DC applications (12V), such as fans and lights. If you wish to operate AC appliances (220V), you'll need an inverter to convert the DC voltage to the AC voltage. Nowadays, all inverters operate automatically, which means that the electricity generated by the solar system charges batteries and immediately powers appliances. In addition, in the event of a power outage, batteries directly power appliances.
What is an On-Grid solar system?
On-grid system is the one in which solar power system is connected to the utility's power grid. The excess power generated is sent to the utility grid and the consumer gets compensated for it. Similarly, when the system under produces power, the consumer can draw electricity from the grid and pay for the units used.
An on-grid or grid-tied solar system is one that operates in tandem with the power grid. This implies that any surplus or deficit in electricity may be supplied back into the grid via net metering. Many household users are choosing for an On-grid solar system since they may receive credit for the extra power produced by their system and save money on their electricity bills. You will always have access to power, whether from the solar system or the grid. They are not powered by batteries.
How does an On-Grid solar system work?
On-grid solar power systems use a solar power system to generate electricity and are directly linked to the utility power grid. These systems feed surplus solar electricity to the utility grid, and users are reimbursed for the extra power supplied back.
What is the difference between an off-grid and on-grid solar system?
The main differences between off-grid and on-grid solar systems are-
- An Off-Grid solar system will continue to operate even if power is lost, however, an On-Grid system would not.
- A grid-connected solar system is less costly than an off-grid solar system.
- An off-grid solar energy system is not tied to the utility grid, but an on-grid (also known as grid-tied) solar energy system is.
- If your PV system is not connected to the grid, you will not receive an electric bill. Even though your solar system generates 100 percent of your power, if you choose a grid-tied system, you may still notice a few minor costs on your electricity statement.
Advantages of On-Grid Solar type of connections are:
- Less Costly than Off-grid system
- Save your electricity bills up to 100%
- Eligible for up to 70% government subsidy on solar
- ROI in 3-5 years, life 25-30 years
Disadvantages of such type of connections are:
- No power produce if grid connection goes down
- You’re not completely independent from the grid
How much would an off grid solar system cost?
Off-grid solar systems are available in a variety of sizes for a variety of purposes, including small homes, 2-3 floor homes, shops, offices, schools, warehouses, and more. The lowest range of an off grid solar system is 500W, the average range is 1kW, and the maximum range can range from 3kW to 10kW. Simply said, the cost of a 1kW off-grid Solar System with a Single Battery (12V) is around Rs. 80,000, whereas the cost of a 1kW Off Grid Solar System with a Double Battery (24V) is approximately Rs. 100,000. The cost of any solar system is determined by factors such as technology, brand, service, and warranty.
How much would an on grid solar system cost?
In India, the cost of an on-grid solar power system ranges from Rs. 66,999 for a 1 kW system to Rs. 4,37,480 for a 10 kW system with installation. Transportation, installation, net metering, and all other costs are included in purchasing a solar system.
Off-Grid Solar System types- AC or DC coupled types-
Off-grid systems can be powered by either AC or DC connected power sources. Common AC-coupled generating sources include solar inverters, wind turbines, and backup generators (gen-sets), whereas DC-coupled sources include MPPT solar charge controllers and micro-hydro systems.
The size of the system determines whether the system is AC or DC linked. The majority of small-scale systems under 6kW are DC linked and employ efficient MPPT solar charge controllers. Larger off-grid systems can be AC or DC linked, depending on the kind of inverter-charger utilised and compatibility with various solar inverters (AC) or solar charge controllers (DC). Most current multi-mode inverters may be both AC and DC linked, resulting in a very secure, flexible power system with numerous charging choices and the ability to perform a black-start operation if the primary inverter fails, the backup generator fails, or the batteries are exhausted.
Major Differences Between Off-Grid and On-Grid Solar System Connection
Have a look at these quick rocket-speed snippets to better understand about these two types of solar connections.
- Off grid connections type gives you utmost access to electricity as compared to on grid connection.
- Off grid connections give you advantages to save extra energy-generated using batteries and storage facilities which fall in an on-grid system.
- When electric grid power goes down, your on-grid solar connection will distubed but off-grid connection remain in working condition.
- Off-grid connection facilitates you to pay no monthly or yearly bills as compared to on-grid connection.
Small DIY Off-Grid Systems-
MPPT solar charge controllers, also known as solar regulators, are used in small-scale off-grid solar systems and DIY systems used on caravans, boats, tiny residences, and cottages. They are linked between the solar panel/s and battery. The charge controller's function is to ensure that the battery is charged appropriately and, more critically, that it is not overcharged. The load output terminals on most modest 12V/24V solar charge controllers are frequently utilised for basic DC lighting circuits. Simple 'plug-in' type inverters are used in modest DIY systems to provide 240V or 120V AC power. These are available in a variety of capacities, ranging from modest 150W inverters to 3000W or greater.
Important factors to consider when estimating off-grid solar systems-
- Daily average energy consumption (kWh) - Summer and winter
- Peak load (kW) - The maximum amount of electricity used by loads.
- Average continuous load (kW)
- Solar exposure - Location, climate, orientation & shading
- Options for backup power - During inclement weather or a power outage
The primary battery inverter-charger, often known as a multi-mode inverter, since it can typically function in both off-grid and on-grid modes, is the fundamental component of an off-grid power system.
What are the latest technology trends in solar inverters?
There are two types of solar inverters, 1) PWM Based – relatively low efficiency, and 2) MPPT Based – high efficiency
PWM Based – It stands for a pulse with modulation; these inverters are inefficient yet inexpensive. PWM-based inverters are ideal for minor uses such as operating 3-4 fans, 8-10 lights, 1-2 televisions, and 1 refrigerator during the day and night.
MPPT Based – It is an abbreviation for Maximum power point tracking. If the goal of your solar investment is to save money on your utility bills, MPPT-based inverters are the way to go.
people also ask about difference between offgrid and on grid solar system
Which is better on grid off-grid or hybrid?
You'll use less grid electricity than you would with a traditional grid-tied system. While hybrid setups are grid-tied, they come with solar battery storage, which means you can maximize consumption of the power generated from the panels. A hybrid system is possibly the most expandable, future-ready home solar setup.
Does On-grid solar need batteries?
On-grid or grid-tie solar UPS are by far the most common and widely used by for homes and commercial purpose. These UPS do not require batteries and use solar inverters and are connected to the electricity grid.
Can off-grid inverter work without battery?
Can off grid solar system work without batteries? The answer is no, off grid solar power plant require batteries to store electricity. If the grid power isn't available and batteries are out of equation too.
Do solar panels work in rain?
Photovoltaic panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power, though they are most effective in direct sunlight. Solar panels will still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. Rain actually helps to keep your panels operating efficiently by washing away any dust or dirt.
Which is better on-grid or off-grid solar?
The biggest downfall of an on-grid system is that it does not provide power during a grid outage. Off-grid 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.
Conclusion - In a nutshell we have described about Difference between Off Grid and On Grid Solar System 2022