The working mechanism of an off-grid solar system differs significantly from that of an on-grid solar system. This difference is due to the absence of a net meter and the presence of a solar battery in the off-grid solar system.
Learn how an off-grid solar system works, and its advantages and disadvantages to make informed decisions about your home solar system installation. Further, learn about its suitability for your home solar panel installation.
What Is an Off-grid Solar System?
An off-grid solar system is disconnected from the grid. However, it includes a vital component: the solar battery, which stores excess electricity for consumption during non-solar hours. Other components in an off-grid solar system are the charge controller, inverter, and solar panels.
Unlike an on-grid solar system, an off-grid solar system does not include a net meter as it does not export or import electricity to and from the grid. As a result, off-grid solar systems continue to power household appliances even during power outages in the grid.
How Does an Off-grid Solar System Work?
Here are the steps elaborating on how an off-grid solar system works:
Step 1: Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert them into solar energy or direct current.
Step 2: The energy is then transmitted into the charge controller in the off-grid solar system.
Step 3: This charge controller feeds the solar battery until it is 100% charged.
Step 4: The inverter takes energy from the battery, converts it into an alternative current and powers the household appliances.
What Are the Advantages of an Off-grid Solar System?
An off-grid solar system has its benefits and drawbacks. The following are the advantages of an off-grid solar system:
- Independent of the Grid
An off-grid solar system is independent of the grid. As a result, there is no requirement for electricity export or import to and from the grid. The entire electricity generated from solar power can be consumed by the household without any need to export excess electricity to the grid.
Further, during power outages on the grid, households can operate their electrical appliances seamlessly. The solar battery will continue to power the household appliances even during power outages at the grid.
- Freedom from Electricity Bills
As an off-grid solar system is disconnected from the grid there is no net meter integration. Thus, households and consumers do not have to pay electricity bills for the power generated by the off-grid solar system.
What are the Disadvantages of an Off-grid Solar System?
Here are the disadvantages of an off-grid solar system:
- Huge Dependence on Battery
The entire off-grid solar system depends on the solar battery that stores excess electricity. However, if the battery runs out of charge, it will fail to power household appliances. There will not be any alternative power source for your home with off-grid solar systems.
- Cost-intensive
Getting solar energy for a home with an off-grid solar system is cost-intensive. The cost of the solar battery in the off-grid solar system is significantly high making the off-grid system expensive. In comparison, on-grid solar systems are relatively more affordable and cost-effective.
Is an Off-grid Solar System the Right Choice for homes?
To understand if an off-grid solar system is suitable for your home, consider the other types of solar systems as follows:
- On-grid Solar System
An on-grid solar system is a grid-connected solar system that works with the mechanism of energy export and import to and from the grid. The Indian Government provides subsidies of up to Rs. 78,000 under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for on-grid solar panel installation on home rooftops.
Additionally, the on-grid solar system installation cost is relatively low compared to off-grid and hybrid solar system installation. The subsidies further reduce the prices of solar panels making an off-grid solar system affordable.
- Hybrid Solar System
A hybrid solar system incorporates features of both an on-grid solar system and an off-grid solar system. It includes a solar battery and is connected to the grid. As a result, it includes an integrated net meter.
Even though hybrid solar system installation is cost-intensive compared to the on-grid and off-grid solar systems, it ensures continued power supply during power outages at the grid and while the solar battery runs out of charge.
Based on the understanding of hybrid, on-grid and off-grid solar systems, it is recommended that if you want to avail government subsidies, you need to install an on-grid solar system. However, if you want independence from the grid, you can install an off-grid solar system.
