In the past few years, the awareness of the importance of clean energy has increased significantly. While there are several renewable sources that one can utilize, solar power has turned out to be the most successful one, especially in India. This has resulted in many people opting for solar installations in their homes and workplaces. However, there are a few who are still new to the concept, and this quick guide on solar power systems is here to help. So, if you wish to know more about solar power systems, keep reading.
How Does a Solar Power System Work?
In broad terms, a solar power system, also known as a solar power plant, is a power system designed to produce electricity by harnessing the sun’s energy through the photovoltaic (PV) effect/process. To understand how solar power systems work, let’s look at their different components:
# Solar Panels: The solar panels are the most crucial element of a solar power system as they absorb the sun’s light and radiation through PV cells and convert it into electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC).
# Solar Inverter: A solar inverter is also a key component of solar power plants as it converts the Direct Current (DC) produced by the PV panels into Alternating Current (AC). This is an important step as electrical appliances only function on AC.
# Electrical Wiring: Any energy production system is incomplete without electrical wiring, including solar power systems. The electrical wiring consists of several cables and connectors that complete the entire setup.
# Solar Battery: As the name suggests, the solar battery is used to store backup power, which can be used at night or during power cuts. However, solar batteries only come with off-grid solar power systems, a type of solar plant, which we will discuss next.
Types of Solar Power Systems
A solar power system has three main variations, including:
On-Grid Solar Power System
As the name implies, an on-grid/grid-connected solar power system stays connected to the local electricity grid. While solar energy is the primary power source, an on-grid PV system relies on the grid for backup. Additionally, by installing grid-connected solar power systems, you can earn credits through net metering, resulting in lower monthly electricity bills. It is best suited for those who wish to maximize their savings.
Off-Grid Solar Power System
An off-grid solar power system works independently of the local electricity grid and comes with a battery for backup. Any excess energy is stored in the battery for later use, bringing you one step closer to energy independence. However, this solar power system is ideal for those living in remote areas with insufficient power supply or areas experiencing frequent power cuts.
Hybrid Solar Power System
A hybrid solar power system is the best of both worlds. This means that it is a combination of both on-grid and off-grid PV systems as it relies on the local grid but also comes with battery backup. While hybrid solar plants are an excellent investment, they are still gaining traction in India. They are most suitable for those who wish to reduce their dependence on the electricity grid.
The Benefits of Investing in a Solar Power System
Now that we know how solar power systems work and their types, here is a brief look at some key benefits:
# A substantial increase in monthly savings and cost-effectiveness
# No energy production costs
# Energy security due to reduced dependence on the grid
# Several environmental benefits
# Higher property value
# Easy installation
# Low maintenance
# Versatile applications
# Long lifespan
While these are some of the most important benefits of solar power systems, there are several more worth considering. Additionally, it is crucial to invest in high-quality and efficient solar power systems like those offered by Luminous. Luminous is one of India’s leading solar solution providers and has several solar system packages that you can choose from. So, explore Luminous’ website and get started on your journey to solar energy today!