Solar Power Plant: Types, Technologies And All About Solar Power System
A solar power plant is an arrangement of various solar components including solar panel to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, solar inverter to change the electricity from DC to AC as well as monitoring the system, solar battery and other solar accessories to set up a working system. It is an economic and a modern technique to generate electricity by solar panel using sunlight. The main concern of a solar power plant is to provide complete energy independence while also lowering your electricity costs. The power plant not only replenishes power to a local user but can also work for a huge project. This is because it includes both small and large capacity solar systems ranging from 1 kW to megawatts.
A solar power plant is sometimes referred to as a solar energy system, solar system, solar power system and solar plant. The efficacy of solar power can be estimated by the fact that by harnessing just one and a half hour’s sunlight, the entire world can satisfy its energy needs for a year. To collect maximum sunlight for converting it to electricity, solar photovoltaic technology is the best alternative. In other words you can say solar power system is based on the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly by using photo-voltaic (PV) panel or indirectly by using concentrated solar power (CSP). There are three types of power systems available in various power ratings, so it’s worth spending 10 minutes reading this information and selecting the best that meets all your requirements.
Types of Solar Power Plant
Everyone these days is well aware of the advantages of going solar. Being attracted by the significance of the most abundant energy source, many people are switching towards making solar energy their main source of energy. But before doing that, one should always be careful while selecting the type of solar power plant. Since it is the major thing that decides whether the power plant will prove to be beneficial for you or not. If you are ready to switch to a solar power plant but you are concerned about which type is best for you, we are here to provide you with complete details about all the types of solar power plant.
Three Types of Solar Power Plant
Basically, solar power plants are mainly available in three different types. The first one is the on grid solar power plant, second is off grid solar power plant and the third is hybrid solar power plant.
On-Grid Solar System – Saving + Grid Export
Off-Grid Solar System – Saving + Backup
Hybrid Solar System – On-grid + Off-grid
Difference between on-grid, off-grid and hybrid solar power plant
Starting with the basics, the main point of difference between on-grid, off-grid and hybrid solar power plant lies in their relationship with the utility grid. An on-grid solar system works with the utility grid while off-grid does not bother about the same. Moreover, a hybrid system depends partly on it. All type of solar power system is different from each other on the basis of their specifications and features while all solar power system works on same principle. Also, some of the components are different in each type of solar power system.
Other Types of Solar Power Plant
All of the above-mentioned types of solar power plants can further be divided into two sub-categories. These two categories are:
Solar Power Plant For Home (On grid/Off grid/Hybrid)
Commercial Solar Power Plant (Mainly in on grid & Hybrid) Read further to know more about these types of solar power plants and make your choice more precise. Mentioned below is the complete set of details like their area requirement, working, technical specification, govt. subsidy on solar, net-metering system.
Off-Grid Solar Power System
In India, there are still several remote areas where there is no electricity at all. Plenty of homes are still living with the crisis of power outages. Besides, there are areas where the electricity supply is not consistent or sufficient. For people residing in such areas, an off grid solar power system is a boon as this system requires no utility grid to work on. And still, it can ensure constant and adequate electricity almost every single day of the year.
Significance of Off-Grid Solar Power System
Every solar system works by converting sunlight into electricity. A solar panel generates electricity as long as it absorbs sunlight. That means, there will be no power in the absence of sunlight (at night or in a cloudy atmosphere). Hence, to ensure a non-stop power supply at times when there is no sunlight, there must be a source available to store the energy. For people living in secluded regions, it is mandatory to have a solar power system with a solar battery. Off grid solar power plant is a system with battery bank. That means, it can store the energy generated by the system to be used for future needs.
How Does An Off-Grid Solar System Works?
Of course, the cost of solar panels has been decreasing continuously for the last few years due to the initiatives and schemes of the government. But if you are paying far less money for the same size solar panels available in the market, then be careful. You may get poor-quality panels as well as installation services. Before buying solar panels and other solar components, always do a little research about its current price in the market. Otherwise, it is quite obvious that you get what you pay for.
Conclusion
“If you don’t have electricity connection or a reliable grid and you want to store electricity, then an off grid solar power plant is system recommend for you.”
On-Grid Solar Power System
As the name suggests, an on-grid solar power plant operates with the grid. On grid systems are solar PV system that only generate power when the utility power grid is available. They must connect to the grid to perform its function. This type of solar power plant is ideal for those who want to reduce their electricity bill while investing less.
Significance of On-Grid Solar Power System
With an on-grid solar power system comes the option of net metering which is an opportunity to earn more. The excess power generated is supplied to the grid which provides credit in the electricity bill. Hence you can reduce your electricity bill while earning more. Since with this system, the consumer can access power from two different sources, 24*7 power supply is guaranteed. Besides, it is efficient enough to run any home appliance without any difficulty. And finally, it is easy to install, requires less maintenance and costs less than an off-grid solar system. In general, buying an on-grid solar system is a great investment.
How Does An On-Grid Solar System Works?
The power generated in the daytime can be used instantly or sent to the main grid. This type of solar system will automatically send excess power to the grid when solar panels are overproducing.
During a power outage, the exported power is drawn back from the electricity grid.
Any excess power fed to the grid earns you money. You will get credited later for this through Net Metering system by Indian govt.
Conclusion
“If you have a reliable grid but your electricity bills are high, then on grid solar power plant is recommend for you.”
Solar Panels Technicians
Hybrid Solar Power System
The hybrid solar system is a technique that uses a collection of solar batteries that can interact with the main power grid. As a result, it reduces your electricity bill significantly and returns more than it costs over a while. Hybrid solar system or power plant is a combination of both above said solar system. We can say that, On Grid Solar System + Off Grid Solar System = Hybrid solar system.
Significance of Hybrid Solar Power System
A hybrid solar power plant is the most expandable system that is future-ready since it uses both a battery and the grid. With a hybrid setup, you can maximize power consumption while using less electricity from the grid. Hence, this system ensures a constant power supply while reducing your electricity bill.
How Does An Hybrid Solar System Works?
It is an on-grid system with battery storage.
Solar panels generate electricity in daytime and run your household load. Simultaneously, the extra electricity will be stored in the solar battery.
It is equipped with an unusual ‘smart’ inverter that transmits DC to AC from batteries.
When required, the inverter tracks AC between your home and the grid.
Once solar batteries are fully charged the electricity then automatically exported to the utility grid.
This system allows you to take full control over power transfer.
Conclusion
“Hybrid solar system provides you both the feature of on grid solar system as well as on grid solar system. If you want to store power along with export facility, hybrid system is best for you.”
How To Choose Best Type Of Solar Plant
There are 3 types of solar power plants. While selecting one out of these three types of solar power plants, many people get confused due to a lack of information. But you don’t need to get confused much when we are here to guide you to choose the best.
While choosing a type of solar system you must consider some points in your mind:
Off Grid Solar Power Plant = Saving + Power Backup
If you don’t have a reliable grid or if you are suffering from long electricity cuts regularly, an off-grid solar system will help you to get rid of this problem. In off grid solar system there is solar battery which provides you power backup and it also reduces your electricity bill as well.
On Grid Solar Power Plant= Saving + Export to Grid
On grid solar system is best for those people who are facing the problem of heavy electricity bills. An on grid solar system provides you the facility to export extra power into the grid via net metering. The government will adjust the exportation of electricity in your upcoming bills.
Hybrid Solar Power Plant = Saving + Export to Grid + Backup
Go for the hybrid solar system if you want both the features- net metering and battery backup. Hybrid solar system has solar batteries in it and you can also export unconsumed electricity in to the utility grid. This solar system will reduce your electricity bills and will also provide you with backup.
Pros-Cons of Solar Power Plant
Solar power plant offers many benefits to home and property owner, most notably a reduction in electricity cost and usage. However, there are some other benefits of the solar power system that are mentioned below.
Advantages
- Increase your property value
- 25 years long working life
- 30% to 70% government subsidy on solar panel
- Get green energy & save the environment
- Low maintenance cost
- Reduce electricity bills
- Freedom from centralized grids
- Great Rate of Return On Investment
- Get free electricity after 3 years
- Only one-time investment
- Fully customizable and portable
Disadvantages
- Weather dependent
- Required large shadow-free area
- Heavy one-time investment
- Weekly cleanings
FAQ'S
-
How many types are available in the solar system?
There are three types of solar system. The first is on-grid, the second is off-grid and the third is a hybrid solar system.
-
Can a commercial solar system be used for home?
Yes, a commercial solar system can be used for home. A commercial system will produce more power and need more space to install. If you have that much space at your home and you can handle that much production than you can install a commercial solar system at your home.
-
How much can I save through on grid solar system?
It can’t be predicted. It depends upon the capacity of solar system and your supply to grid. If you install high capacity solar system and supply more to grid, than your electricity bill will be reduce more otherwise vice-versa.
-
What is solar rooftop system?
In solar rooftop system, the solar panels are install on roof of a house. Through these panels the electricity will be produce which will power your home. Also read about: Solar System For Home