On-Grid Solar Plant
An on-grid solar plant, also known as a grid-tied solar system, works by connecting directly to the local utility grid. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it operates:-
Solar Panels: The system starts with solar panels installed on the rooftop or on the ground. These panels contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverter: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity. AC is the standard form of electricity used in homes and businesses.
Utility Grid Connection: The AC electricity produced by the inverter is then fed into the main electrical panel of the building. At the same time, if the solar panels produce more electricity than the building consumes, the excess electricity is sent back to the utility grid through a bi-directional meter.
Bi-directional Meter: This special meter measures both the electricity consumed from the grid and the excess electricity exported to the grid. When the solar system produces more electricity than is being used on-site, the surplus is credited to the customer’s utility bill through net metering or feed-in tariff programs, depending on the regulations in place.
Electricity Consumption: During times when the solar panels are not producing enough electricity to meet the building’s demand (such as at night or on cloudy days), electricity is drawn from the grid as usual. In this way, the grid serves as a backup power source.
Grid Stability: On-grid solar plants help stabilize the utility grid by reducing strain during peak demand periods and providing clean energy during daylight hours.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitoring systems are often installed to track the performance of the solar system in real-time, ensuring optimal efficiency. Routine maintenance, such as cleaning the panels and checking for any issues, helps to keep the system running smoothly.
Overall, on-grid solar plants offer several benefits, including reduced electricity bills, potential revenue generation through excess electricity sales, and environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, they do not provide power during grid outages, as they are designed to shut down automatically for safety reasons when the grid goes down to prevent backfeeding electricity into the grid and endangering utility workers.