Solar energy production is one of the most environmentally friendly & cheapest electricity methods worldwide. With the help of solar energy, people can easily avoid diesel generators or other carbon emission-based devices that can harm the environment. The solar industry has grown vastly since it is affordable, easily accessible, and an attractive option for homeowners or businesses. Currently, two types of solar systems, called on-grid & hybrid, are considered quite popular within the solar market. Both of these systems have the same purpose: producing electricity. However, they are completely different from one another.
On-Grid Solar System
On-Grid based solar energy is directly linked with the electric grid and can’t work when the grid is down. They can produce solar energy when the sun is out, and the grid is functioning. These systems are less viable than hybrid-based solar energy systems, as they can’t create power during load shedding and high blackouts. On-grid solar-based energy systems require energy storage. A surplus amount of energy can’t be stored for future utilization. Nonetheless, these systems allow net-metering, which means a great amount of power can be offered back to the grid. This system is quite affordable but unhelpful during load shedding.
Benefits of On-Grid System
Although the on-grid system depends on the grid’s power supply, there are some perks of having such a system.
- Provides Savings Through Net Metering
Solar panels will usually produce more electricity than what you consume. The customer can use this excess energy on the main power grid rather than storing it in batteries. Most power grid companies like to purchase the extra energy from homeowners or businesses, which benefits them since the payments get adjusted with the utility bills. Net metering is vital in this scenario, especially from a financial perspective.
- Affordable & Easy Installation
An on-grid system does not require any form of storage, so there is no need for batteries. This can help customers reduce a great amount of cost, making the system quite affordable. Installing an on-grid system is quite easy since it requires a limited amount of tools & technology, plus very little maintenance is needed.
Hybrid Solar System
The hybrid solar system is just like an on-grid system regarding solar energy production, yet it has the advantage of being self-sufficient from the power grid. This system works non-stop, allowing it to help store excess energy that can be used during the night or when the customer suffers from power outages. Peak hours can affect the electric bill; however, the hybrid solar system produces enough energy to assist you in avoiding such heavy costs. Installing a hybrid system can guarantee customers better savings and a great investment return. Although the hybrid system is great, it is quite expensive due to the cost of inverters and batteries.
Benefits of Hybrid Solar System
Getting a hybrid system can be expensive, but it has its benefits. It is less costly than the off-grid system & it is a part of smart solar.
- Less Costly Than Off-Grid
Off-grid systems are considered quite costly since they require a great abundance of batteries to help store the energy; however, in a hybrid system, a low quantity of batteries is necessary to store energy as a backup. In case your battery runs out of energy at night, you can use the power grid to store energy which will also be an inexpensive method.
- Smart Solar
New innovations have been introduced due to hybrid solar systems like new inverters, which help businesses or homeowners to reap benefits from electric utility prices all day. Solar panels can produce more energy during noon just before peak hours begin. Storing energy for a limited time and later the energy can be sold whenever the electricity demand is required.
