It is no longer news that everyone is going solar. Solar energy is gaining much relevance because it is very clean and does not pose a challenge to the environment. The benefits of solar energy to our homes can’t be overemphasized, but then it will interest you to know that there are three different categories of solar power systems. What I mean by this is that, if you are considering solar energy, you should bear in mind that you can either decide to use the on-grid solar power system, off-grid solar power system, and hybrid solar power system.
In this context, you will get to know the major difference between on-grid and off-grid, with more concentration on on-grid. You will also understand the best time to go off-grid, what you need to go completely off-grid and lastly, you will understand which is better for you. On-grid or off-grid?
WHAT IS AN ON-GRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM?
This system works hand in hand with the public utility grid. The on-grid solar system is a process whereby your solar is connected to the general utility grid. Here you don’t need batteries, you only need the common solar inverters. The excess power your solar generates is usually exported to the utility grid, where it generates utility credit for you. You either use it when you are low on supply, or you could use it to generate credit.
When you are using on-grid, you might not always be in control. Occasionally, you might experience blackouts. This usually happens when there is the repair going on in the grid. This is to ensure that there is no accident especially as it pertains to the engineers on duty.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ON-GRID AND OFF-GRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
Having known what an on-grid power system is, off-grid has a different plan because:
• Off-grid is not connected to any utility grid, this means that the government does not control the users of an off-grid system.
• They make use of a battery. Just like excess energy is stored in the utility grid for an on-grid system, the excess energy for off-grid is stored in batteries.
• Off-grid is usually very helpful for people in rural areas where the utility grid cannot reach.
• It costs a whole lot for the off-grid system to be installed. The benefits start coming after years of usage when you must have recovered your cost.
PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE IMAGE
BENEFITS OF AN ON-GRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
Using solar power in your home is the best choice, but if you are considering installing solar power there are a whole lot of benefits that you stand to gain. Off-grid solar power system sometimes can be the best option, but on-grid has its own benefits as well. The benefits below are views from customers and also a general individual perspective of on-grid solar power system
It is highly cost-effective- on-grid is much cheaper than other forms of solar power systems. In addition to being cheap, you don’t need to spend money buying batteries, because it is not needed, meaning that you won’t also spend much money on the maintenance of solar batteries.
It is a great source of revenue– This is owing to the fact that the excess energy generated by your home is usually exported to the utility grid, which will earn you a pay. So the lesser energy you consume, the more credits you earn.
It is reliable in a way– in real life, we tend to use more energy especially those that work constantly with electricity. So if at a point you run out of power, all the ones you stored in the utility will come through in supplying with the needed amount of power for your devices. The power you will be supplied with could be the one generated by another user, so everyone is happy.
BENEFITS ON-GRID SOLAR POWER FROM GENERAL INDIVIDUAL PERSPECTIVE
Provides clean energy. Unlike most sources of energy that are harmful to the environment because they use fossil fuels and other harmful components, on-grid does not cause any harm. The on-grid solar system is a renewable source of energy. So it is very safe for both humans, animals, and the environment at large. Because it doesn’t make use of batteries, there is no room for battery decay which can be very harmful. So if you need a clean and noise-free source of energy, can’t you see that on-grid is just what you need?
Long life span. One of the reasons why most people go on-grid is because it is highly durable. In as long as you pay your utility bills, You can use it for a long time without any issues. The little maintenance could be if you want to purchase a new inverter, this is recommended every 7-10 years of usage.
Suitable for both home and business owners– Not minding the load it carries, on-grid is very suitable for business owners because you have an unlimited power supply, and it is quite affordable too. This also makes it possible for you to enjoy numerous benefits given to those using one grid by the government.
It is very easy to install. If you ever wish to cut your electricity cost, you can decide to install it on the grid. It does not need much protocol as only you and your friend can actually work on it over the weekend.
HOW TO INSTALL ON-GRID SOLAR POWER
- Search for a suitable installer or company. I can help you with that.
- Then request for an on-grid solar system. If you don’t want to install by yourself, then request for the service of a professional installer.
- Now the engineer checks the capacity of the area you want the installation to be done. He will also check the load it will carry.
- He then recommends the appropriate system for you. Once you decide to get it, he will go on and install it for you.
COMPONENTS OF ON-GRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
Installing on-grid can be easy as I mentioned above, this is because on-grid Makes use of simple components. You just need components like solar panels, power inverter tracker, grid disconnect, combiner box, and DC disconnect. The most important is the meter which determines the amount you are importing or exporting. You can easily order these components from amazon at a very affordable rate and install it all by yourself.
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
NET-METERING IN ON-GRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
Net metering which is also known as net energy metering is a solar incentive that allows you to store the excess energy generated by your solar in the utility grid. Because your solar panel generates enough energy during the day, it will store the excess in the grid and make it available at night.
Your stored energy can even generate income for you, but then you won’t be getting a paycheque. The generated income will be used to buy energy from the grid when you are running out of power.
With an adequately sized solar panel, you can generate enough energy that will last you throughout the year, bearing in mind that some period of the year comes with more sunlight and others with less sunlight.
HOW DOES NET-METERING WORK?
Electricity production is at its peak during the day time when nobody is home and the energy produced is not usually consumed. This means that consumption is higher at night for homeowners. Net-metering helps you to account for your day to day electricity production and usage.
When there is excess production, your meter runs in reverse. Then when the production is low, you can generate electricity just like you usually did before you started using on-grid.
When you produce more energy than you use in a month, your utility bill will receive a credit based on the net number of kilowatt you gave back to the grid. But if you produce less energy than you use, you will buy electricity from the grid, in other to make up the difference. So it is advised that you get a sizeable solar that can generate enough electricity for your home.
COST OF AN ON-GRID SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
As I stated earlier that on-grid is very affordable. It’s an obvious truth because when you run your electricity through on-grid, you don’t need many components of solar power system.
But to accurately determine the cost of an on-grid solar power system, we need a rough estimate of HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY IN KWH that an average home consumes per day.
According to US ENERGY DEPARTMENT, an average home consumes about 914kwh per month. This means you will need a string inverter than can discharge at least 120 volts of AC power. So this inverter can cost you about $399 if you purchase it from amazon.
Meanwhile, if you are in Nigeria and you want a complete home solar installation, we are at your services.
In general, On-grid solar power system can cost between $3,664 to $60,000 depending on the kilowatt size.
COST OF GOING SOLAR IN NIGERIA
Power blackout in Nigeria is a problem that has become part of Nigerian culture, this is a good reason for you to go solar and save yourself from the stress of the Nigerian power holding company.
But unfortunately, we don’t have any net-metering scheme in Nigeria currently. so going solar in Nigeria means installing a complete off-grid solar power system.
The good news is that NAIHCOTECH has a different package to suit everybody’s needs if you consider installing solar in Nigeria. We are definitely your best plug for solar power installation.
On average, going solar in Nigeria can cost from #50,000 to a million naira depending on the load you want to power but. We definitely have a package for any load you might want to power.
CONCLUSION
We are always committed to keeping you updated in everything happening in the solar world, as it is the reigning technology now. So you have seen the numerous benefits presented by on-grid solar power system, don’t hesitate to benefit from it.
While concentrating more on the benefits of running on-grid. It will interest you to know that choice is something unique to every individual. Because of this, we cant say that we recommend on-grid or off-grid. You can as well read more about off-grid solar power system before making your choice.
NAIHCOTECH is committed to giving you the best knowledge concerning solar and renewable energy in general. So don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding any solar products. If you want a complete home solar power installation at a very affordable price.
We are also open for advertisements and promotions of any high-quality solar products. If you have any suggestions about how we could serve our readers better. Don’t hesitate to let us know through the comment box.
If you want a complete market analysis of solar energy in Nigeria or Africa in general. Do let us know so we can work on that as well. Serving our readers about anything solar is our top priority.
