Solar energy is ideal for India due to its abundant sunlight. An on-grid solar system is popular in the country since it is affordable and sustainable. These appliances allow excess energy to be supplied back to the utility grid and utilized by others. An on-grid system may be ideal if you are considering adopting solar.
You can maximize solar technology’s potential by starting with a primary energy-generating plant and upgrading and adding a battery bank. We will explain on-grid solar systems‘ benefits, operation, and cost in this blog.
These systems’ components, electricity generation, and utility grid integration will be examined. By the end of this blog, you will understand what is a solar grid system and why Indian homes and businesses should use on-grid solar systems.
What is an On-Grid Solar System?
Concerned about what is on-grid solar system? On-grid solar systems, also called grid-tied solar systems, are grid-connected systems. These solar systems generate electricity and return excess energy to the grid. They lower electricity expenses and carbon footprints for households and businesses.
An on-grid solar system for home is a popular choice for those who want to generate their own electricity and save money. These systems are simple to install and maintain. They turn sunlight into DC electricity, which an inverter converts into AC electricity.
Home electronics and appliances require AC electricity. A business can decrease energy expenses and accomplish environmental goals with an on-grid solar power system. These systems can be placed on large solar farms to power neighbourhoods and commercial buildings.
How Does an On-Grid Solar System Work?
So what is the on-grid solar system’s working process? An on-grid solar system is a renewable energy system connected to the utility grid. Solar panels on the roof or ground convert sunlight into power in a solar system setup. An inverter turns DC electricity into AC. AC electricity is given to the home or business. The grid receives surplus energy from solar panels during daylight hours.
Net metering records the amount of electricity used and sent back to the grid. Excess electricity is credited to the consumer’s account and can be used to offset future expenditures. On-grid solar system in UP is popular due to sunlight and electricity costs.
Feeding extra electricity back into the grid reduces future electricity expenditures. This technology reduces dependence on non-renewable energy and generates electricity cheaply.
Components of On-Grid Solar System
Solar panels are responsible for transforming sunlight into solar power. The bi-directional inverters are responsible for converting the DC power into AC electricity that can be used in homes. However, several components are essential to getting this to work. They are as follows:
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PV modules/panels
On-grid solar power system start with PV modules. These rooftop or open-land panels convert sunlight into power. Silicon photovoltaic cells make up each panel. The photoelectric effect produces DC electricity when solar photons hit certain materials. Solar panel output varies depending on sunshine intensity, temperature, and panel orientation.
Residential solar panels yield 250–400 watts per hour. A home solar system’s panel count depends on energy use and installation space. Before choosing PV modules for your on-grid solar system, you must know your power needs and space.
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Bi-directional inverter
On-grid solar system for home needs a bi-directional inverter. It converts solar panel-generated DC into AC for household appliances. This inverter stabilizes the output voltage to ensure AC power is at the proper voltage and frequency.
If you add a battery bank, a bi-directional inverter can convert AC to DC for charging. This stores excess solar energy in the battery bank during the day and powers your home at night or with less sunlight. The bi-directional inverter is essential to converting solar energy from panels into residential energy.
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AC breaker panel with fuses
The AC breaker panel with fuses is essential. It distributes solar panel electricity from the bi-directional inverter. The panel connects the inverter and filter, which control the quality and stability of AC electricity sent to the residence.
The fuses protect against electrical surges and overloads. The AC breaker panel with fuses is usually near the main electrical panel and can be simply integrated into the existing electrical infrastructure. It’s vital to a well-designed on-grid solar power system due to its durability and functionality.
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Cost controller
An on-grid solar system‘s cost controller prevents overcharging, which can harm the battery bank and cause system failure. It reduces or stops charging when the battery is fully charged to avoid overcharging.
The battery bank and PV system last longer. When the battery voltage declines, some charge controllers disconnect the load to prevent deep discharge, which might harm the battery. The cost controller is critical for battery health and solar system efficiency.
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Electrical meters
On-grid solar systems need electrical meters to track power generation and consumption. These systems use two types of meters. The first meter measures utility grid energy consumption, while the second measures excess solar energy supplied. This lets homeowners track their power usage and avoid overpaying.
This information also helps calculate surplus energy credits and payments by determining the quantity of energy exported to the grid. These meters also monitor solar system performance and identify problems.
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Security switches and cabling
Security switches and cabling ensure the safety and reliability of an on-grid solar system for home. Isolation and control switches isolate the bi-directional inverter’s AC and DC sides for maintenance and testing.
However, cabling links the system’s solar components. The cabling must be the right size, installed, and routed properly to avoid damage and interference.
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Electrical energy grid
On-grid solar systems need electricity. Solar panels that create more electricity than your home needs feed excess energy into the utility system, earning you credits. Net metering pays solar panel owners for their grid energy.
The net metering agreement lets you borrow power from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough, maintaining a steady electricity supply. The grid-connected solar system ensures your home gets electricity during low sunshine or heavy energy usage.
Benefits of On-Grid System
On-grid solar systems have many benefits for homeowners beyond their lower cost due to fewer components. Solar’s long-term financial and environmental benefits for households surpass the cost of PV systems.
- Constant energy flow: Even on wet and foggy days, a grid-connected solar system guarantees power to your home. Personalize your system with a battery bank to reserve energy for grid outages. Thus, you can use the grid for extra energy as needed.
- Money saver investment: Solar power reduces your monthly energy expenditure, providing you with small savings. These modest savings pile up. Solar investments offer great returns. Solar electricity users pay a small monthly fee.
- Satisfy energy needs: In a solar-equipped home, you can generate the electricity you need daily. Your solar provider matches the size of an on-grid solar system to your electricity demands to minimize the number of days you have to switch to the government grid.
- Nature-friendly option: Rooftop solar systems are environmentally friendly, so the government subsidizes on-grid solar power installations for houses. Solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel use, and carbon footprint.
On-Grid System Price in India
Indian on-grid solar system price depends on system size, location, and subsidies. An estimate is beneficial, but a professional solar provider can provide an accurate quote tailored to your needs. Due to their flexibility and excellent returns from net metering, most Indian homeowners prefer on-grid systems.
1 kW on-grid solar systems cost roughly Rs. 66,999, while 10 kW models cost over Rs. 4 lahks. Location and other factors can greatly affect these expenses. On-grid solutions can save money over time, but the initial investment is high.
However, lower energy bills and energy independence frequently justify the upfront cost. A reputable solar firm can find a system that fits your budget and energy needs.
On-Grid Solar System Installations Cost In India
People might get confused about how to work on a grid solar system by thinking about its installation costs. Installation costs for an on-grid solar system in India vary by panel count and complexity. You can receive a complete solar system from an expert solar business. Your solar provider will create a system with warranties and maintenance.
Your solar plant will be installed and commissioned quickly. Solar companies break down solar plant costs. Installing rooftop solar panels accounts for a large amount of the installation cost. The cost of installing a solar panel system depends on its complexity and duration. Depending on your solar structure, installation takes 4-6 hours.
On-Grid Solar System Facts
Some facts about grid-connected solar systems that will interest you are:
- India is adopting on-grid solar systems due to their efficiency and affordability. A 1 kW solar system generates 1,440 units annually, averaging four units daily. It’s perfect for homeowners trying to cut electricity costs.
- On-grid solar systems offer extensive product warranties. The roof-mounted solar panels have a 25-year performance warranty, while the inverter and batteries have 5–10-year warranties, depending on the manufacturer.
- Many solar businesses offer comprehensive solar AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) bundles to assist homeowners in maintaining their solar systems for 25 years. This gives homeowners confidence and maximizes their investment. It also optimizes system performance and energy efficiency.
- Net metering benefits on-grid solar systems. This program allows homeowners to draw power from and return excess energy to the local grid, cutting their electricity bills.
- The MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) allows home solar purchasers to acquire an on-grid solar system from any vendor and receive a 40% discount on grid-connected solar systems up to 3 kW capacity.
Subsidy on On-Grid Solar System
The Indian government is promoting solar energy adoption with consistent subsidy programs. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is subsidizing household grid-connected solar system installations as part of this effort. This program intends to make on-grid solar system prices in India more affordable to the public.
Use the National Portal for Rooftop Solar to apply for subsidies. The Indian government subsidizes solar energy to lessen its dependence on non-renewable energy.
Rooftop Solar System Capacity | Applicable Subsidy (₹) |
Up to 3kW | 18,000/kW |
Above 3kW and up to 10kW | Rs. 18,000/- per kW for the first 3kW and
Rs. 9,000/- per kW after that for the rest |
Above 10kW | 1,17,000** |
Note: *₹18,000/kW for the first 3 kW and ₹9,000/kW for the rest of the capacity up to 10 kW.
**The subsidy amount is fixed for rooftop solar systems above 10 kW capacity. |
FAQs About On-Grid System
Is on-grid solar setup good?
Because there are no batteries, on-grid solar system price in India is less than that of other types. It also gets the most power out of all kinds of solar devices. The customer gets a low cost of upkeep and lower monthly power bills ensuring that the solar setup is good with no doubts.
Which is better: an on-grid or off-grid system?
The biggest problem with an on-grid system is that it does not provide power when the grid is down. Off-grid systems let you store your solar power in batteries to use when the power grid is down. It is made to be totally self-sufficient.
Is it necessary to have batteries for an on-grid solar system?
On-grid solar system is the most popular type of solar product among households. These systems do not require batteries and are powered by the public grid using solar inverters.
Will my 25-year on-grid solar system produce the same power?
No. Due to constant sunlight and wear, your photovoltaic modules degrade and lose their peak era potential. However, they will remain in top condition throughout their entire existence. Your installer will guarantee your photovoltaic panels’ efficiency.
How much space is required for a 1 kW system?
Installing a basic 1 kW on-grid solar system necessitates a ten square meter area that is not shaded by trees or nearby structures. However, the precise requirement may differ depending on solar panel efficiency, mounting structure, etc.
Is my roof suitable for grid-connected photovoltaics?
Sure. If the roof is strong enough, a rooftop photovoltaic plant can be installed on any roof. Your photovoltaic company can help you eliminate the biggest barriers with solar system setup.
Does a solar module installation require a shadow-free area?
To generate power at full efficiency, solar cells in panels need uninterrupted sunshine. Thus, even a slight shadow on the panels will reduce the capacity of the on-grid system. If some cells are frequently shaded, your solar panels will wear out and become ineffective.
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