In an On-grid
system the solar power generating system is connected with the state utility grid.
Hence the name On-grid system.
The On-grid
system considerably played a crucial role in popularizing the solar power plant
installations domestically. Especially the rooftop solar plants that can be
widely seen in our neighborhoods is the effect of On-grid solar plants.
The
reduction in the electricity bill or sometimes even getting paid from the state
electricity board has increased the likes of people towards On-grid system.
The less installation
cost and maintenance cost of On-grid solar systems compared to the Off-grid solar
systems make it more reliable.
There was
time in India initially where the On-grid systems were not allowed and only Off-grid
systems were installed. But due to technological advancement more stable
and efficient equipment’s which don’t tamper with the utility grid has allowed the
nation to think differently.
The changed
policies of the Indian government and considering green energy as the
potential future source, subsidies were given for On-grid solar plant
installations which increased the affinity of people for implementing On-grid
systems at their premises.
The preference of On-grid systems than Off-grid systems
The requirement
of battery makes the Off-grid system more expensive and increases the maintenance
cost. As the battery needs to be well maintained to increase its life. We
should check the battery water level and should refill when required.
The life
span of the battery is also not up to the level of other equipment used in a
solar plant. So, the requirement of a battery actually increases the payback period
to get profitable from the usage of solar energy.
The payback
period of an On-grid system is between 3-8years. On average it is found to
be 5years. As the capacity of the On-grid system increases the payback period
decreases. For higher size power plants price per watt is lower than that of
lower size power plants.
Working of On-grid Solar Power Systems
This AC is
directly fed to a solar meter to get the solar readings, which are then
connected to a Net meter. The net meter plays a major role in the On-grid system.
The net meter on one side is connected by the supply from the utility grid and
on the other side by the supply from the solar side.
At the end
of the month, these export and import readings are differentially added and
billed according to that. If import and export are similar then it will be a
nil bill and the user gets paid by the state board for the extra energy they
got at a fixed rate.
Benefits of On-Grid Systems
An On-grid
system has lesser number of parts and the absence of a battery makes the
maintenance of the system easier. The only thing u have to do is the cleaning
of the panels once in a month or two.
If you plan
the system according to your monthly electricity requirement, then you can have
nil bills or zero electricity bills.
As the
higher size solar plants are more cost-effective if you can install an On-grid
plant that is more than that of your requirement it not only reduces the
payback time but also acts as a passive income generator by the surplus
electricity produced.
The Flaw
This is
because of a safety precaution that is undertaken due to the connection with
the utility grid. For the maintenance of the grid if a person switches off the
grid and works on it the On-grid solar system should not feed power to the grid
which risks his life. This is the reason why an On-grid system cannot provide
electricity during a power outage.
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