Understanding On-Grid Solar Systems - Key Components and Benefits

Solar energy is becoming a popular option for homeowners and businesses wanting to cut down on electricity costs and use clean, renewable power. A common and efficient way to do this is with an on-grid solar system. This system works alongside the main power grid, letting you produce your own solar energy while staying connected to the grid for backup when needed. 

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In this blog, we will explain what an on-grid solar system is, how it functions, and why it is a good choice for many people. Whether you want to lower your bills, earn credits for extra energy, or help the environment, an on-grid solar system is a dependable and affordable option. Let’s look at its benefits, how it works, and what you need to know before switching to solar energy!

On-Grid Solar System Overview

An on-grid solar system, or grid-tied solar system, is a setup that connects your solar panels to the main power grid. This means your solar panels work together with your local electricity provider. When your solar panels make electricity, they power your home, and any extra energy that you don’t use goes back to the grid. On the other hand, when your solar panels aren’t producing enough power like at night or on cloudy days you can get electricity from the grid to meet your needs.

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Being connected to the grid ensures a steady power supply while letting you make the most of the clean energy your solar panels produce. On-grid systems are very popular and commonly used for homes, businesses, and even large commercial buildings.

Components Of On-Grid Solar System And Their Roles

Here are the components of an on-grid solar system and their roles in generating electricity:

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Solar Panels: Solar panels are the heart of your solar system. They consume sunlight and convert it into electricity. These panels are usually installed on your roof, where they can absorb the sun's rays and turn them into direct current (DC) electricity.

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Solar Inverter: The inverter plays an important role in the process of making electricity. It takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used by your home appliances.

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Net Meter: The net meter is another important component of an on-grid solar system. It maintains track of how much energy your solar system produces and how much you consume. The excess energy is sent back to the grid. This earns you credits on your electricity bill.

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ACDB (AC Distribution Box): Another component of the on-grid solar system is the AC Distribution Box. ACDBs help distribute AC power from solar inverters to the grid. They include circuit breakers that stop overloads and short circuits. MCBs turn off the power when it gets too high, protecting the system and ensuring a steady flow of electricity.

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DCDB (DC Distribution Box): Similar to ACDB, DCDB panels manage the distribution of solar-generated DC power, ensuring a smooth flow of electricity to inverters. They include disconnect switches that protect the system from overcurrent, boosting reliability. These switches help technicians safely isolate parts of the system for maintenance or emergencies. This reduces the risk of equipment damage and ensures the safety of workers.

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These components work together to make your on-grid solar system a seamless and efficient energy solution for your home.

How Does an On-Grid Solar System Work?

The working process of an on-grid solar system is relatively straightforward:

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Solar Panels Capture Sunlight: During daytime hours, the installed On-Grid Solar System on your roof properly absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells.

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Electricity Powers Your Home: The electricity produced by solar panels is in direct current (DC) form, but most homes and businesses use alternating current (AC). To make this switch, the system has an inverter that changes DC into AC. Once the current is converted, the electricity can be used to power your home’s lights, appliances, and other devices.

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Excess Power Goes to the Grid: An on-grid solar system is connected to the main power grid. It can send extra electricity produced by the solar panels to the grid when your home does not use all of it. When the solar panels are not making enough power, like at night or on cloudy days, the system pulls electricity from the grid. So, you only pay for the difference between the electricity you send to the grid and what you take from it. This is called net metering. This setup can save you 90-95% on your electricity bill. However, since it doesn't have a battery, the system will not work during a power outage.

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Drawing Power From the Grid: When your solar panels are not generating enough electricity, like at night or on cloudy days, your home will automatically get power from the grid. The change between solar power and grid power happens smoothly, so you always have electricity without any interruptions.

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Monitoring and Maintenance: Many on-grid solar systems have monitoring tools that let you keep track of your energy production and usage. You can see how much electricity your solar panels are generating, how much you are using, and how much extra power is being sent back to the grid.

Benefits of an On-Grid Solar System

An On-Grid solar panel system will benefit you as well as the environment in various ways. Here are some of its benefits:

1. Lower Electricity Bills

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A major benefit of an on-grid solar system is that it lowers your electricity bills. Since your solar panels generate their power, you depend less on the grid. The more energy your system makes, the less you have to pay the utility company. Over time, these savings can add up. Plus, with net metering, you can earn credits for any extra energy your system creates which can help reduce your bills even more.

2. No Need for Battery Storage

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Unlike off-grid systems, on-grid solar setups don’t need batteries to store electricity. Batteries can be costly and need regular maintenance. In an on-grid system, the grid acts as your backup. During the day your solar panels generate energy to power your home and at night when they are not producing electricity you can just get power from the grid. This makes an on-grid system simpler to install and maintain compared to systems that rely on batteries.

3. Eco-Friendly Energy Solution

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Solar energy is a clean and renewable power source. Installing an on-grid solar system helps you depend less on fossil fuels, which cause pollution and contribute to climate change. Every bit of electricity your solar panels produce reduces the need for coal, gas, and other non-renewable energy sources. This helps lower your carbon footprint and supports a healthier planet for future generations.

4. Low Maintenance

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On-grid solar systems are easy to take care of. Since they don’t use batteries, there’s little maintenance needed. Solar panels are built to last and don’t require much upkeep. Most modern panels have warranties for 20-25 years, and inverters usually last for 10-15 years. Sometimes, you may need to clean the panels or have a technician check the system, but overall, the maintenance is affordable and simple.

Is an On-Grid Solar System Right for You?

An on-grid solar system is a smart choice if you want to lower your electricity bills and use renewable energy. It works well for homes and businesses in places with dependable grid power. If you’re okay with depending on the grid for backup power and want an affordable, easy-to-maintain solar option, then an on-grid system is perfect. However, if you live in an area that often experiences power outages or if you want to be completely independent with your energy, you might want to think about an off-grid system or a hybrid system that includes battery storage.

Conclusion

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An on-grid solar system is a practical and effective way to use solar power, cut down on your electricity bills, and help the environment. With advantages like net metering, low maintenance, and a reliable power supply, it's easy to see why on-grid solar is a popular choice for both homeowners and businesses. Whether you want to save money, protect the planet, or enjoy some energy independence, an on-grid solar system is a smart, long-term investment.

FAQs

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What is the cost of solar on-grid?

The cost of an on-grid starts from approximately Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 12,00,000. You can also take benefits of government subsidies, if applicable. This will reduce the overall cost of on-grid solar panel systems. 

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Is it necessary to clean the solar panels?

Yes, keeping the solar panels clean is important for better performance. Some elements like dust, dirt, and debris can reduce the efficiency of the panels, so yearly or half-yearly cleaning is recommended. 

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Can I clean my solar panels myself?

If your solar panel system also has a walkway, ladder and safety lines along with suitable cleaning brushes, you can clean your panels yourself. If your panels are installed in a way that is hard to access, then you should not clean solar panels by yourself as there are more chances for accidents that can harm you and your solar system. It is advisable to contact experts to clean your solar panels. 

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Do I need batteries for an On-Grid Solar System?

No, On-Grid systems do not require batteries. They depend on the grid for backup power during times when solar production is low like on cloudy and rainy days or at night. 

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Can I use an On-Grid Solar System during a power outage?

An On-Grid system depends on the utility grid to work. If there is a power outage, the on-grid solar system will automatically shut down to prevent sending electricity back to the grid, ensuring safety.