On-grid vs Off-grid solar Power System

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Solar Energy is the form of energy that comes from the sun. There are two main types of solar energy: Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal Energy. This energy is replenished constantly, and being renewable it is proven to be eco-friendly as it does not produce any harmful or greenhouse gases. The sun's energy is harnessed through on-grid and off-grid solar power systems that convert it into electricity or solar thermal systems that help produce heat. 

The electricity generated through on-grid and off-grid solar power systems is then used for many purposes like industrial and residential uses and also for large-scale solar farms. With such solar technologies used in the right way, sustainable living becomes possible. Before we come to the workings of solar power systems, let's go through the multiple advantages solar energy has. 

What are the Advantages of Solar Energy?

The benefits of solar energy are:

1. Solar Energy reduces carbon footprint and harmful fossil fuel emissions making it a more functional and better choice for the environment. 
2. Being a renewable source of energy there are no fears about it getting exhausted. 
3. Solar Energy reduces or lowers energy and power costs in the long run.
4. It is a feasible and accessible option because sunlight is present in abundance and can be used whenever required. 
5. Solar Energy leads to a cleaner, sustainable and healthier environment free from any pollution.

What is a Solar Power System?

Let us now briefly discuss what solar power systems actually are: 

A Solar power system consists of a series of components. Firstly, it uses solar panels that absorb the sunlight and the silicon cells present have an electron movement which results in the formation of direct current (DC) of electricity. Through an inverter this direct current is transformed into an alternating current, ready to use for home appliances and the electrical grid. You can check out how solar panels work for more detailed information. 

There are three sorts of Solar Power Systems:  

• On-grid (Grid-tied) Solar Power System
• Off-grid Solar Power System 
• Hybrid Solar Power System

An On-grid Solar power system is generally connected to a local utility grid, and the energy produced is used for personal needs. Whereas, Off-grid solar power systems work independently without an electricity grid and are usually ideal for remote areas. Hybrid Solar Power System is a mixture and has properties of both off-grid and on-grid solar power systems. 

Insight into On-Grid Solar Power Systems

A Grid-tied or On-Grid Solar Power System is usually connected to the main electrical grid known as the local electricity grid. The main components of on-grid solar power systems are solar panels, inverters, and utility grids. 

• Power is generated for use at home or the workplace through these systems when the solar panels capture the sunlight and convert it into direct current of electricity, it is further converted into alternating current through inverters which can be used in residential areas. 
• Your home or workplace will use the energy generated by the solar panels first and if there is any excess electricity it will be sent back to the utility grid. On days, when your solar panels fail to generate enough electricity, the power from the electricity grid will be used. 

Advantages of the Grid-tied Solar System:

1. Sustainability: It is highly sustainable as it lowers its carbon footprint and dependency on fossil fuels.
2. No use of Battery Storage: As everything is maintained and backed up on the grid, there is no need to install and look after the maintenance and cost of batteries.
3. Support of Grid: It helps sustainably, stabilising the excess power by sending it back to the grid and thus promoting optimum energy supply.
4. Cost-effective: It is one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing our utility bills as we are generating our electricity and receiving credits for extra energy.

Applications of Grid-tied Solar Power System

• Residential Homes: It helps in powering homes with the help of solar energy, and excess energy produced could lead to earning extra credits which also reduces power bills.
• Agricultural Sector: This is very beneficial for carrying out agricultural activities and operations without fearing the high cost of energy expenses.
• Commercial Buildings: This reduces overall costs which are required to carry out daily processes in offices, businesses and big malls and promotes sustainability.

Insight into Off-Grid Solar Power System

Off-grid Solar Power System works independently, they do not require an electricity grid. They are mostly dependent on storage batteries and solar energy for power. They are ideal for remote places that are free from grids. The main components of an Off-Grid Solar Power System are solar panels, an inverter, a charge controller, and storage batteries. 

• The solar panels capture sunlight and a direct current is produced which is then converted into alternating current with the help of an inverter. Your home or workplace directly uses the electricity generated by solar panels. 
• In case of less power generation due to the unavailability of sunlight, the energy stored in the batteries is used up. The charge controller also helps in regulating the flow of energy from panels to the batteries so there's no damage. 

Advantages of Off-Grid Solar Power System:

1. Independency: These systems are not reliant on local electricity grids for energy, they are self-sufficient power sources and are far away from grid failures.
2. Environmental Friendly: They solely rely on renewable solar energy or storage batteries for power thus eliminating the use of fossil fuels and reducing carbon and other harmful emissions. 
3. Cost-effective: Installing a solar power system could set up some initial costs, but it greatly reduces the bills and other utility expenses. 
4. Suitable for remote areas: This system is highly suitable for remote or rural areas as it is costly and difficult to install a grid system in such areas.

Applications of Off-Grid Solar Power System

• Remote Homes: This system is ideal for homes and cabins that are situated in remote areas and far from the reach of traditional or local electricity grids. 
• Rural Areas: It is one of the best ways to power schools, hospitals and institutions located in rural areas so that there is a continuous supply of electricity. 
• Communication Towers: They keep communication running in remote areas by supplying enough and sufficient power through a reliable Off-grid solar power system.
• Emergency Relief: If the local or traditional electricity grid is damaged or not working during an emergency or disaster, the Off-grid solar power system offers great help by supplying reliable power in such desperate times.

Conclusion

On-grid and Off-grid Solar Power Systems are everything you might be looking for to reduce your electricity bills, earn extra credits, store power in case of emergency and never be deprived of energy no matter which area you come from. There might be a conflict as to how and who will help you in installing these systems, which act as a blessing in today's time when everything is getting used up at a fast rate.

KLK Ventures with its prominent team of professionals is here to help you in setting up this environment-friendly system with proper guidance and supervision. We have the best quality and excellent working both On-grid and Off-grid solar systems that you can install in your homes, schools, or agriculture sites. 

We believe in creating a safe and sustainable environment that is not only fulfilling but also leads to a much brighter future. So now is your time to step ahead, and be environmentally conscious with KLK Ventures without compromising your energy needs.