Understanding Types of Solar PV Systems

Solar panels harness the sunlight to generate electricity for various applications. The solar system or Photovoltaic System installed at residential or commercial settings, are made up of different components including inverters, batteries, mounting structures, and electrical connections.

They can be of three types – grid-tied, grid-tied with battery back-up and off-grid system. In this blog let us understand the types of solar PV systems:

What are Types of Solar PV Systems:

1. Grid-tied or On-grid system:

Grid tied PV system means integrated with the grid. The conventional electricity infrastructure is called the grid. Out of the three modes this is the most affordable one. Here the electricity is derived from the grid as well as the PV system. The extra electricity generated is sent back to the grid and the rebates are awarded as per the incentives set by the government.  The advantages include power delivery from both the grid and PV system. On the days when days are cloudy and sunlight is very less available, the home can rely on the power from the grid.

2.Grid-tied with battery backup:

This is a grid tied PV system which is integrated with a solar battery backup. The batteries store the excess electricity generated from the Sun & this energy can be used when need arises. This system reduces the dependence on the grid to a great extent thereby maximizing the potential of solar energy. Having a solar battery makes this system more energy independent. 

During the night, power can be utilized from the solar battery rather than from the grid making you safe from power failures. This way you are using less of the conventional sources of electricity generation and more of green energy sources. So this makes you choose uninterrupted energy for your homes with guilt free consumption. 

3.Off grid system:

Off grid systems do not have grid incorporation and here the PV system alone empowers the residential, commercial and industrial settings.  In this case the solar battery is of utmost importance to provide reliable power supply. Here you are completely free from paying the electricity bills as you won’t be deriving any energy from the grid. This is mostly suitable for remote locations where grid connection is not available. With an off grid solar system, you become energy self-sufficient, without the burden of hefty energy bills.

Summary:

There are three types of solar PV systems which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing a PV system for your home or location depends on your power requirement, budget and what you want to gain from solar panel installation.

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