This document discusses on-grid solar power systems. It defines an on-grid system as one that is connected to the local utility grid, allowing the grid to act as a battery for any excess or deficient solar power production. It then summarizes a case study of a 95 kW on-grid solar array installed at a university. The system includes 312 solar panels and four 25 kVA inverters. Monitoring data showed the power generation, energy savings, and carbon emissions avoided. Advantages of on-grid systems include zero electricity bills if production matches consumption and easy maintenance without batteries. Disadvantages are an inability to power the home during blackouts and no power production at night.
2. Defination:
On-grid means your solar system is tied to your local
utility's GRID. This is what most residential homes
will use because you are covered if your solar system
under or over-produces in regard to your varying
energy needs. All this means for you is that your
utility system acts as your battery space.
3. Abstract
his paper involves the study on various components of grid
connected PV system, and their operation, along with the design
considerations to be followed during the installation. A case study
on the `95 kWp on-grid photovoltaic system' commissioned at one
of the education institute named Karunya Institute of Technology
and Sciences in Coimbatore is illustrated. Study on the on-grid PV
system consists of 95 kWp PV array comprising of 312 PV
modules, four 25 kVA inverters. Results includes the online
monitored data on power generation in kWh/kWp, energy saved
in MWh, and CO 2 emissions avoided. Along with this, simulated
energy performance of PV system is also illustrated. Promotion of
solar PV plants in the educational institutes would help in
reducing their energy consumption bills and helpful in carrying
out research activities
6. Disadvantages of on-grid systems
On-grid solar systems are battery-less and therefore not able to
function or generate electricity during a blackout, due to safety reasons.
As blackouts usually occur when the electricity grid is damaged – if the
solar inverter was still feeding electricity into a damaged grid it would
risk the safety of the people repairing the fault/s in the network.
They can’t produce solar energy and reduce your power bill at
night-time or when there’s no sunlight.
They provide you with less incentive to conserve energy
7. Benefits of on-grid solar –
1. Zero Electricity Bills – Though the solar power system is connected to the grid,
the consumer has to pay only for the surplus electricity he consumes. The bill
generated on a monthly basis determines whether the consumer has any
payments to be made. However, at the same time if the consumer utilizes less
electricity, the excess is fed back in the grid.
2. Easy maintenance – The on-grid solar power system has the least number of
parts along with simple installation. The elimination of batteries makes the
maintenance quite easy.
3. Passive income generation – With a connection to the grid, the consumer can
charge for the surplus electricity he has generated. It not only eliminates your
electricity bills but also avails the cost benefits for the excess electricity generated.
Solar power has several benefits which notably include a reduction in electricity
cost and usage. However, there are other benefits that depend on the type of
system you choose.