How is grid-connected solar?

On-grid solar systems are connected to the public electrical grid through a power inverter. For this type of solar-powered system, the electricity you generate is converted from DC to AC current as it is sent through your power inverter and finally to the electrical grid. For safety reasons, these systems are not able to function during power outages as it could potentially feed electricity to the grid as it is being repaired.

What is the difference between off-grid and on-grid solar panels?

On-grid solar panels are connected to the public electrical grid. For this type of system, any excess electricity you generate is sent to the electrical grid, and you are paid by the local power company. On the other hand, any electricity you use from the grid you will be charged for, and if there is a power outage, you will also be affected. Off-grid solar panels are a stand-alone power system, are completely self-sustaining. For these systems, you are responsible for storing any excess electricity you generate using solar batteries. Because of the added batteries, this type of system is often more costly to set up.

What are the advantages of using a grid-connected solar PV system?

The main advantages of using a grid-connected solar PV system are that you also can use electricity from the grid. Also, any excess electricity you generate is sent to the grid, and the local utility company can compensate you if they offer a purchasing model.

Do you really save money with solar panels?

Despite the initial costs of a solar energy power set up, you are saving money by not paying a local power commission for your electricity. After you have paid off your initial set up costs, you are essentially generating power for free, minus inexpensive maintenance costs. Additionally, you can be paid for any excess energy your system generates by your local utility company.

What are the advantages of solar energy?

The main advantages of solar energy are that you are utilizing a renewable resource and reducing your carbon footprint by lowering greenhouse gas emissions that would be emitted using alternative energy sources. You are also saving money on your electricity bill by generating your power, rather than paying a power commission. Under an on-grid system, you can be paid for the excess electricity you generate. Other than frequently cleaning your solar panels, solar energy is cheap to maintain, saving you time and money.

What are the disadvantages of solar energy?

The main disadvantages of solar energy are that it is largely dependent on the weather, and during cloudy conditions, it generates much less electricity. The initial setup costs of a solar energy system can also be expensive once you have paid for the panels, batteries, inverters, wires, and installation costs. Solar panels and batteries can also take up a lot of space, depending on your system and energy needs.

Can solar panels eliminate electric bill?

If you are able to generate enough electricity to meet the demands of your house using solar panels, you can virtually eliminate your electricity bill. You may even be able to make money from any surplus electricity you generate that is sent back to the electricity grid.

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Photovoltaic (PV) systems produce electricity directly from sunlight. They produce no on-site pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions. PV systems are relatively simple to install, at any scale, from the smallest cabin to a large home. Grid-connected systems are tied to the electricity distribution network. Often, you can sell your surplus solar power to the grid on sunny days, and buy it back when it's not sunny. This trading process is often called "net metering" or "net billing." In some jurisdictions, you can sell all the solar power you generate directly to the grid, through a power purchase agreement at a price that is sometimes called a feed-in tariff. Power output is rated in kilowatts (kW), and a typical household can usually use between 5 and 15 kW, depending on how large the home is.

The most important factor is - do you have a place on your property where you can install solar panels with full, unshaded access to sunlight? The solar PV array should face approximately towards the equator, which is south if you are in the northern hemisphere, or north if you are in the southern hemisphere. East and west-facing can work all right, with reduced output, but a PV array should not be facing directly away from the equator. Avoid shadows from trees, buildings, and other obstacles. Shadows on any part of a solar PV array can reduce its output dramatically. Note that the shadows are taller and longer in winter. If there is doubt about the amount of shading at your proposed location, have a solar shading assessment done by a solar designer or installer, or measure the heights of the shading objects and estimate the lengths of the shadows yourself.

A simple, reliable source of renewable electricity that you can generate, emission-free and fuel-free, at your property. For most households, solar PV is the most feasible way to become a producer of renewable power. Solar PV modules use a widely available renewable energy source - the sun - and produce no emissions or noise. The energy took to make the solar PV system is paid back within a couple of years, and a good PV system will produce electricity for 25 years or more.

The amount of solar energy that shines on 2% of the area of the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa would produce more than enough to supply the total energy consumption of the human species. Even using today's existing solar technology, it could create more than what would be required. Just a little issue of getting the extension cord to run all the way there.