subject: What Are Off Grid and On Grid Solar PV Systems? [print this page] What Are Off Grid and On Grid Solar PV Systems?
If you have considered going solar then it is the practical choice, however going solar requires some decision making as solar panels have three different set ups which you have to choose from;
The On-Grid non battery system
The On-Grid battery system
The Off grid System
The On-Grid non battery system is the most common and the least expensive among the options thus the common choice. As the word implies On-Grid means you are connected to the grid system of your electric provider. Any excess in electrical production of your solar PV panel" target="_blank">solar panels will be sent to the grid automatically causing your meter (you must upgrade to a smart meter) to turn backwards. Any excess in electrical production can be sold to your provider in the form of credits, or check if you have reached the certain amount set by the provider and the Government. It is best to understand the feed in tariff scheme if you are to install this kind of system in your home.
The On-Grid battery system is also connected to the grid, and in case of power insufficiency you can automatically import electricity from you provider. The battery serves as the storage media for any excess in production and for ready use when needed. However less solar PV users choose this set up because it is quite expensive compared to the latter.
Off Grid systems are independent and are not hooked into any power grids. The system requires a battery for storage and is quite expensive to set up, and this option generally requires a generator to cope up with any insufficiency... Off-grid systems are favorable if you are living in remote areas or desire to be completely self-sufficient. If you are living in major cities and have less room then going independent might not work out for you. However if you have the resources to do so, then why not? Just imagine being independent and produce your own electricity in a "green" way and not be affected by blackouts and electric bill hike - as if you are living in a dream!
Whatever you choose among the options you can be sure that the technology of solar arrays is fast becoming the 1st choice in renewable energy solutions because of its efficiency, viability, reliability and zero carbon emissions - which is the real concern today!
