As technology advances in solar energy, more people are installing solar power systems. The most popular system among the many available is the on grid solar power system.
What’s on grid solar power system?
Based on the grid-connectivity of their solar systems, they can be divided into three categories. There are three types of solar systems: on-grid, off-grid and hybrid. An on grid solar power system is a system that generates solar energy and is connected to the grid. The system produces electricity that is then routed to the grid, where it is used for various appliances. Any excess power is sent back to the grid.
An on grid solar power system offers more benefits than an off-grid one. An on-grid system produces solar power only when the grid is accessible. In the event of a grid failure, the power supply is cut off completely. For emergency power supply, it is important to have backups like DG sets. Most often, the power is shut down for safety or technical reasons.
What is the working principle of a grid-based solar power system?
The system operates in two ways: the electricity supply can flow from the grid to which it’s connected to the user’s house to the grid. This makes the on-grid system highly affordable and very useful. The grid is tied to the solar panels that are installed at the user’s residence. Direct Current (DC) is generated by the solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity. The current is then sent through an inverter. The inverter converts the DC into Alternating Current (AC) and makes it possible to power electrical devices. The electricity is then sent to the grid to be used for daily use. Grid tied inverters regulate the voltage and amount of electricity that is supplied to households. This is because the total power generated is often more than the home can use. The net meter is an important feature. This device records both the energy used and the energy supplied to grid. The consumer receives a bill at the end of each month. The main electricity distribution panel then converts the power supply to homes.
On grid solar power systemhas many benefits
1. Zero Electricity Bills – Although the solar power system can be connected to the grid, the consumer must only pay for excess electricity. A consumer’s monthly bill determines whether he is liable for any additional payments. The consumer can also use less electricity to feed back into the grid.
2. Simple installation and maintenance – On-grid solar power systems are easy to maintain. Maintenance is easy because there are no batteries.
3. Passive income generation – The consumer can charge the grid for excess electricity that he generates. This not only reduces your electricity bill but also offers cost savings for excess electricity.
The most cost-effective and easiest to install solar systems are those that are on-grid. These systems are great for households because the cost of the system can be easily recovered by the extra power that is transmitted to the grid.
The Components of On-Grid Solar Power System
Grid-connected solar systems, whether grid-connected or grid tied, produce solar energy during daylight hours and draw power from the power company at night.
What are the essential components of a solar system that is connected to the grid?
They are:
PV modules
The PV modules’ main purpose is to convert sunlight into electrical power.
Inverter bi-directional
The inverter converts DC electricity into standard AC power for home usage. The inverter automatically synchronizes with utility power when the grid distributes electricity.
Inverters can cause interferences that result in energy losses. The same applies to all components of the power supply. The efficiency of an inverter that is well-matched to the solar array is typically around 90%.
Solar inverters can produce AC current in three outputs: square wave, modified sq wave, and pure sine waves. The square wave, while being the most expensive, is also the most efficient. Modified sine is very efficient, but has moderate costs. Pure sine is more expensive, but it is the most efficient.
AC breaker panel with fuse
The fuse box or breaker panel looks just like any other fuse box. It is used to supply electricity for domestic use and install it without additional breakers.
Controller for charges
The charge controller’s purpose is to ensure that the battery does not overcharge, thus prolonging the life of your PV system.
Electric meters
To function properly, the PV generator needs two electric meters. These meters are located between the inverter and the grid.
One of the meters is connected to the grid and helps in the billing and quantification of energy generated. The second electric meter measures the PV inverter’s small consumption when there is no sun radiation.
Safety switches and cabling
For testing and maintenance, the PV array produces voltage in solar radiation. Separate isolation switches and inverter safety switch should be available. They must be easily disengaged from the system.
Make sure you only use appropriate rated and sized electrical cables to connect all components. An electrical company might also require earthing and fuses.
Strom grid
Without a utility grid, grid-connected solar systems can’t exist. This grid is used to store electricity and connects the solar system to it.
