Why choose On-grid

Reduce Monthly Electricity Bills: On-grid systems allow you to offset your electricity usage with solar power, reducing the amount you need to purchase from the grid and hence lowering your monthly electricity bills.

Minimal Maintenance: Besides regular cleaning of solar modules, on-grid systems require little to no additional maintenance compared to other types of solar setups.

Earn Money through Net Metering: By exporting surplus energy back to the grid, you can earn credits or payments from your electricity provider. This makes on-grid systems financially beneficial as they allow you to monetize excess energy generated.

Affordability: On-grid solar systems are typically the most affordable option for rooftop installations. They are cost-effective to install and operate, making them a practical choice for reducing overall energy costs.

How does it work?

In an on-grid system, the energy generated by the PV panels is initially in the form of DC (Direct Current), which is then converted into AC (Alternating Current) by the inverter. This AC power is supplied to power the house loads. If the solar-generated power is insufficient to meet the household demand, the deficit is supplemented by drawing power from the grid. Conversely, any surplus energy generated beyond immediate household needs is fed back into the grid.

Since the inverter in an on-grid system is synchronized with the grid, the system automatically shuts down in the absence of grid power. This safety feature is mandated by DISCOM's (Distribution Companies) to prevent accidents during maintenance of the grid lines. It ensures that solar systems do not continue to export power to the grid when grid power is unavailable, which could pose risks to maintenance personnel.

In summary, on-grid systems provide seamless integration of solar power with the existing grid infrastructure thereby optimizing energy use.

Components

Here's a breakdown of the components involved in a solar PV system:

  • PV Panels (Photovoltaic Panels): Absorb sunlight and convert it into DC (Direct Current) electricity.
  • Inverter: Converts DC power from the PV panels into AC (Alternating Current) power, which is used by household appliances and can be fed into the grid.
  • DCDB (DC Distribution Board): Includes components like MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) and SPD (Surge Protection Device) to protect the system from current and voltage spikes on the DC side.
  • ACDB (AC Distribution Board): Contains MCB, SPD, and fuses to protect against voltage and current spikes on the AC side of the circuit.
  • Bidirectional Meter: Replaces the traditional unidirectional meter to accurately record both the import and export of energy to and from the grid.
  • Electrical Panel: The existing panel in the customer's premises where the solar power output is connected to the household circuits for consumption and potential export to the grid.
  • Lightning Arrestors: Installed to safeguard the PV panels and the entire system from damage caused by lightning strikes.
  • Earthing: Ensures safe dissipation of surge currents, whether from lightning or within the system itself, to protect against electrical hazards.

Different types of Ongrid rooftop solutions

With String Inverters:

- In a system with String Inverters, all PV panels are connected to a single inverter either in single or multiple strings.
- Panels within each string are connected in series, meaning any issue such as damage or shading on one panel can affect the performance of the entire string.
- String inverters are cost-effective and ideal for installations without shading issues.
- They have a lower initial cost and replacement cost compared to other types of inverters used in on-grid systems.

With Micro Inverters:

- In a system with Micro Inverters, each PV panel is equipped with its own individual inverter, typically installed beneath each panel.
- DC to AC conversion happens at the level of each panel, allowing for independent operation and optimization of each panel's output.
- This setup means that issues like damage or shading affecting one panel do not impact the performance of other panels.
- Micro inverters are slightly more expensive than string inverters but offer advantages in situations where shading is present, as they maximize energy generation under varying conditions.
- They also enable monitoring of the performance of each individual panel, providing detailed insights into system efficiency and potential maintenance needs.

Choosing between string inverters and micro inverters depends on factors such as shading, budget, and monitoring preferences. String inverters are economical and effective in unshaded environments, while micro inverters offer enhanced performance and monitoring capabilities in shaded conditions but at a higher cost.