With more and more homeowners looking to solar power as an alternative energy source, it’s important to understand the different types of solar systems available. In this blog, we will be examining the differences between off grid and on grid residential solar power systems. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision when choosing which type of system is best for your home.
What Is Off Grid Solar Power?
Off-grid solar power systems are those that are not connected to any other source of electricity or utility company. This means that all of the energy produced by these systems must be used within the home or stored in batteries for later use.
While off-grid solar power can be a great way to reduce your reliance on traditional sources of electricity, it also means that you must take into account factors such as weather patterns and shading when designing your system. Additionally, since you won’t be able to rely on any other sources of power in case of a blackout, you’ll need to ensure that your system is large enough to meet all of your energy needs.
What questions do you need to answer when building an off grid system?
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- What size system do you need to power your home?
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- What is the average daily consumption of electricity in your home?
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- Do you have an existing battery backup system in place already?
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- How much space is available for mounting solar panels on your roof or ground?
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- Are there local regulations that may affect installation and/or usage of off grid residential solar systems?
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- Are there any local incentives available that might help to reduce the total cost of installation and running a system?
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- What type of solar panel technology will best fit with your requirements (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin film)?
What Is On Grid Solar Power?
On grid solar power systems are those that are connected directly to the electric grid. This means that any excess electricity generated by your system can be sold back to the utility company, offsetting some or all of your monthly electric bill.
On grid systems also have the advantage of being able to draw upon backup power provided by the electric company if necessary, eliminating worries about blackouts or extended periods without access to electricity. However, these systems require permission from your local utility company before they can be installed and will usually require monthly payments for access to their services.
What Questions do you need to answer when building an on-grid residential solar system?
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- What type of on-grid solar system is best suited to your needs (grid-tied, battery back-up)?
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- What size system do you need to power your home?
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- How much space is available for mounting solar panels on your roof or ground?
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- Are there local regulations that may affect installation and/or use of a grid tied system?
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- Are there any local incentives available that might help to reduce the total cost of installation and running a system?
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- Does your existing electric utility company offer rebates or other incentives for on grid residential solar systems?
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- What type of solar panel technology will best fit with your requirements (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin film)?
Conclusion:
Whether you choose an off grid or an on grid residential solar power system depends largely on how much energy you need from your system and how much money you’re willing to invest in it upfront. If you’re looking for a way to reduce your reliance on traditional sources of electricity while still having access to backup power in case of emergencies, then an on-grid system might be best for you.
One of the biggest cons of off-grid solar systems is the high initial cost. Because they require an extensive setup with batteries, panels, and other components, they can be expensive to install. Another con of off-grid solar is that it can be difficult to scale up if your energy needs increase over time. It can also be difficult to maintain due to its reliance on batteries which will need to be replaced occasionally. Additionally, off-grid solar systems are not always connected to the internet and so cannot take advantage of smart technology such as remote monitoring.
Ultimately, it comes down to understanding both options and making an informed decision based on what works best for you and your budget.