Solar PV systems are gaining popularity among residential and commercial property owners around the world and India is no exception. People are realizing the various benefits of installing a Solar PV system, and therefore, they are switching to Solar PV systems that harness the sun’s energy to generate greener and inexpensive energy. The switch has also helped them reduce their dependence for power on fossil fuel-backed local grids that not only provide power at higher rates but also add to the carbon footprint woes.
If you too are thinking of switching to a solar power system here are a few things that you should know before you take the plunge.
What is a Solar PV System?
Solar PV systems, as we know, are used to harness the energy of the Sun and convert solar energy into electricity in the form of Direct Current. They do so with the help of solar panels that are made of solar cells that contain a semiconducting material, usually silicon. A typical solar panel has two layers of semiconductor material - a positive and a negative layer. When sunlight strikes the solar panel an electric field is created between these two layers which leads to the generation of Direct Current. This current then gets transferred to the solar inverter which further converts it into alternating current that is used to power home appliances.Types of Solar PV Systems
Solar PV systems can be categorized into three main types -- On Grid or Grid-tied Solar PV systems - These are one of the most commonly found solar PV systems. Properties with on grid solar PV systems are connected to the grid so that they can draw energy from the grid when the solar panels aren’t producing enough power.
- Off-grid Solar PV systems - The off-grid solar PV systems have no connection to the grid whatsoever. Homes with off grid solar PV systems solely depend on solar panels for their energy requirement. However, they do have solar batteries installed with them so that surplus energy can be stored in these batteries and can be used later when the solar panels aren’t producing any energy.
- Hybrid systems: The hybrid solar panels are a combination of on grid and off grid solar pv systems. They are connected to the local grid and they also have solar batteries installed with them.