Difference Between On-grid and Off-grid Solar System

 

Solar panel systems generate electricity by converting sunlight into usable energy through photovoltaic cells. A solar panel system generates electricity through solar energy. Solar panels are either on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid systems. You plan to installng rooftop solar panels at your home or business, but you are confused between off-grid and on-grid solar systems.

Let’s see some differences between On-grid and Off-grid solar panel systems to help you make the right choice.

On-Grid System:

An on-grid system is a grid-tied solar system that is connected to the utility grid. This solar system is most commonly used for residential and commercial requirements. Excess power generated is sent to the grid, and the consumer receives compensation for the same; if the system produces less electricity, then the consumer can use electricity from the grid and pay for the extra unit used, and you have to pay additional charges and electricity bills for connecting to the utility grid.

This system is beneficial since you do not need additional batteries for storing electricity. However, a huge battery backup to fulfill electricity requirements when the solar panel system is not working can be costly and put extra pressure on your pockets.

On-grid systems make use of the electricity produced by the utility when the system is not producing enough electricity for various reasons. However, on-grid solar systems will not work during power outages. If there is a power failure, the on-grid system will also stop functioning. It is done for the safety of the people at the grid working to resolve the power failure. This makes an on-grid system unsuitable for businesses that need electricity for 24 hrs or places with more power failure.

Off-grid Solar System

Off-grid systems are not connected to the power grid and work independently, i.e., without depending on the utility grid, which means no electricity bills, so it is vital to have enough battery backup to save electricity for these systems.

An off-grid system produces enough electricity, which can be used for future uses. In an off-grid system, batteries are connected to the system, due to which it is possible to store excess electricity. This excess electricity is used to supply power when the weather conditions are not good or when there is a storm due to which the system cannot provide the required electricity.

However, this system is costly as it requires a lot of other devices, such as batteries, solar panels, grid boxes, inverters, charge controllers, and mounting structures.

Therefore, off-grid systems are very costly as compared to on-grid systems. This system is mainly required in places far from the electricity grid or where there are frequent power failures, like army camps, remote rural areas, mining areas, farms, or highway motels.

The advantage of using an off-grid solar system is that electricity can be used during a utility power failure without any obstructions with sufficient battery backup. Buy solar panels in NSW since Aus-Brite Solar is the best solar power installer if you are looking for off-grid and on-grid solar systems for your home or business. Contact our experts.