On grid/ Off grid solar power systems for educational systems

As educational institutions have a huge area of rooftops kept unused,  solar systems are one of the key beneficial systems which the educational institutions can be easily implemented and save a lot of energy cost and even earn higher returns when supplying the electricity to the grid.  

What is a solar power system?

Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants, and artificial photosynthesis. 

 

An economically most beneficial and common solar power system is designed using Photovoltaic cells (Solar Panels).  Solar power systems mainly are of two types 

  1. Off-grid Solar Power Systems.
  2. On-grid Solar Power Systems. 

Off-grid Solar systems

Off-grid systems work independently of the grid but have batteries that can store the solar power generated by the system. The system usually consists of solar panels, battery, charge controller, grid box, inverter, mounting structure, and balance of systems. The panels store enough sunlight during the day and use the excess power generated at the night.

These systems are self-sustaining and can provide power for critical loads in areas where a power grid is not available. However, these systems require specialized equipment to function and can be costly to install. These are ideal for businesses that can sustain themselves for a short period of time with no electricity.

Many people like the idea of installing an off-grid solar system because of the independence and the stability the solar system will bring to their lives. However, this is only achievable with the appropriate equipment and batteries.

Pros of an Off-Grid Solar System:

  • A great solution for remote locations and underdeveloped communities
  • These self-sustainable systems can work independently and do not rely on the grid.
  • They generate enough power that can be stored and used at night or when the power grid is down.
  • These are ideal for remote areas where there is no power access from the grid.
  • Grid failures and shutdowns will not affect your power supply.

 

Cons of an Off-Grid Solar System:

  • They are more costly
  • Batteries are required to deliver electricity consistently throughout the day and night
  • It could require a lifestyle change to reduce energy consumption
  • Surplus energy production could go to waste
  • Cannot rely on the grid at night or on cloudy days
  • Batteries require maintenance, have a relatively short lifespan, and degrade rapidly

 

Grid-tied /on-grid Solar Systems

A grid-tied solar system is connected to the electrical grid and requires the grid to be running for the solar system to produce energy.

Pros of a Grid-Tied Solar System:

  • Grid-tied systems tend to be the less expensive option, due to not needing batteries and other equipment.
  • This type of system is great for those who don’t have the room or financing to install a solar system big enough to cover 100% of their energy usage. You can continue to pull electricity from the grid if needed.
  • Net Metering allows the electricity generated by a solar system to offset the electricity used from the grid during the night or cloudy days.
  • The grid becomes your cost-effective, reliable storage solution.
  • In some regions, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) allow owners of a grid-tied system to receive extra income by selling the SRECs their system produces.

Cons of a Grid-Tied Solar System:

  • If the grid goes down your system will shut off, leaving you without power. This is required to prevent energy from back-feeding into the grid to keep utility workers safe.  Your grid-tied system will automatically shut off when the grid goes down, and will also automatically turn back on when power is restored.
  • You’re not completely independent from the grid.