The field of solar energy has been significantly expanding in the last few years. Nowadays, there are already various kinds of solar panels, circuits, and installation techniques that customers can choose from based on their preferences.
If you’re a first-time solar power user, choosing between on-grid and off-grid connections is one of the most vital decisions you have to make. This decision can make or break your entire use of solar power.
What are on-grid solar panels?
Most users worldwide prefer on-grid solar panels. On-grid solar panels are connected to a main electric line through inverters. This means you don’t have to purchase solar batteries or generators to use your solar power.
Advantages and disadvantages of on-grid solar panels
The primary advantage of on-grid solar panels is that they’re easier and cheaper to install. Since you’re going to use your main electric line, you can save a couple of wirings, inverters, and other electrical equipment to use your solar energy.
The downside of on-grid solar panels is that it makes your solar energy dependent on your main electric lines. This means that in the event of a power outage, you can’t use your solar power as well–which pretty much defeats the purpose of solar energy as an emergency electric source.
What are off-grid solar panels?
Off-grid solar panels are connected to solar batteries and generators to store electricity. You can plug in your appliance and other equipment to these solar batteries when needed.
Most people think that off-grid solar panels are not made for heavy-duty use. This is a mistake. There are already many solar batteries with huge electric storage capacities that can power up an entire household.
Advantages and disadvantages of off-grid solar panels?
The significant advantage of off-grid solar panels is that they can be used as an emergency electric source. Should there be a power outage, your use of solar energy will not be affected. You can also store solar energy during sunny days for later use.
The downside of going off-grid is that installation can be expensive. Heavy-duty solar batteries can be pricey, not to mention the circuits and wirings that you must do from scratch to connect your solar battery to your house.