On-grid solar photovoltaic installations - On-grid solar photovoltaic installations are systems connected to the main power grid, enabling users to generate and export electricity efficiently. These installations are widely used in residential and commercial sectors due to their reliability, scalability, and economic benefits under feed-in tariff schemes.

On-grid solar photovoltaic installations, often referred to as grid-tied or grid-connected systems, form the backbone of the solar energy revolution. These systems are defined by their direct electrical connection to the public utility grid, which allows them to import electricity when the solar panels are not producing enough power and to export surplus electricity back to the grid. A key characteristic of a standard on-grid system is the absence of battery storage; the utility grid itself acts as a massive, instantaneous energy storage and backup source. The core components include the solar panels, a grid-tied inverter to convert the DC power from the panels into grid-compatible AC power, and a meter, often a bi-directional net meter, to track the energy exchange with the utility. The primary benefit for the owner is simple and substantial: the ability to offset consumption with self-generated power, leading to significant reduction in electricity bills.

Furthermore, the simplicity of the system design compared to off-grid solutions contributes to lower initial cost and minimal maintenance, as there are no batteries to replace or manage. The performance and safety of these installations are strictly governed by utility interconnection standards, which mandate the inverter's behavior, including the requirement to immediately shut down power injection during a grid outage for the safety of utility workers, a concept known as anti-islanding. The sheer scale and rapid deployment of these installations across residential rooftops, commercial facilities, and open fields demonstrate their efficacy as a primary mechanism for integrating renewable energy into the existing power infrastructure.

FAQs on On-grid solar photovoltaic installations

What is the fundamental benefit of an on-grid system compared to a standalone solar power system?

What is the safety mechanism that prevents an on-grid system from feeding power into a grid that is undergoing a power outage?

How does the metering process work to account for the electricity imported from and exported to the utility grid?