What is a Solar Water Heater? A Detailed Overview
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Hybrid and on-grid solar systems offer net metering, allowing consumers to make extra money by sharing electricity with the grid. However, there are some significant differences. Read more to find out.
Solar panels are cost-effective, durable, and reliable energy production systems.
Going solar is a wise choice. Now that you have decided to pick a solar power system that supports net metering, the next question arises; which PV system is better hybrid or grid-tied?
To provide a better understanding, here are some valuable insights about hybrid and on-grid solar systems that'd help you choose the best option.
Solar power systems generate the cheapest energy for household and commercial use. Hybrid and grid-tied systems are the most common solar panels used for residential and commercial purposes.
Here are some technical details about hybrid and on-grid solar systems.
A hybrid PV system is an all-in-one solution for those looking for battery support and benefitting from net metering. It is an intermediate solution providing grid-tied and off-grid solar system services.
Here are the details.
Working Principle of Hybrid PV System
A hybrid PV system is connected to the grid with a battery connection. In a hybrid solar system, the connected batteries store a specific amount of electricity while the rest is transferred to the grid via net metering.
Advantages
Even when the grid supply is cut off, the hybrid solar system continues supplying electricity stored in the battery.
Hybrid solar systems are ideal for places where load shedding occurs relatively often.
The battery backup makes hybrid systems more reliable.
Disadvantages
Hybrid PV systems are pretty expensive than off-grid and on-grid systems.
The battery life is only between 7-14 years.
Hybrid solar batteries need proper maintenance.
Also Read: Three Main Types of Solar Inverters - Which One to Choose
An on-grid or grid-tied solar system is connected to the electric grid. The property consumes the power produced by the PV cells during the day, while the grid power is consumed at night.
Here are the details.
Working Principle of On-Grid Solar System
On-grid PV system is directly connected to the electrical grid allowing users to benefit from net metering. It means that the excess power is transferred to the grid in exchange for credit. In load shedding, the on-grid system also shuts down, cutting out the electricity supply. Also, the electricity supply comes from the electricity grid at night as no battery backup is available.
Advantages
On-grid solar power installation is affordable.
Consumers can get credit or pay electricity bills in exchange for surplus energy produced by PV cells.
It is best for residential properties.
Disadvantages
Since there are no storage batteries involved, no electricity backup is usable.
In case of a technical fault, shared solar energy can pose a life risk to technical staff resolving the problem.
No electricity is available during long-duration load shedding or power out.
Also Read: The Solar Panel Paradigm - Residential VS Commercial PV Systems
In a solar power system, the PV cells produce electricity from the sunlight, and then the inverter transforms it into a usable form of energy.
Although the initial cost of PV panels installation is high, if we take it as a long-term investment, solar systems are the best energy powerhouse to cover electricity needs.
If you are looking for an affordable solar solution for residential use, an on-grid system is best for you. And, if there is too much load shedding in your area and your power requirement is a lot, then a hybrid solar solution would work optimally.
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