How do solar panels work with grid connections

18 March 2024 | 2 min read

How Is Solar Power Electricity Generated?

To find out how on-grid solar power electricity still works, you should know the basics. The solar panels you install on your property can be of different types. But they all capture the energy coming from the sunlight and use it in their ways to turn it into electricity.

However, the electricity generated from solar panels, no matter what the type, can't be used directly in your home, office premises, or anywhere else. That's because it is DC or direct current electricity. The kind you need is AC or alternating current electricity. For this, the electricity generated from solar panels passes through a solar inverter and then powers your property.

With the basics covered, let's get into on-grid solar power.

What Is On-Grid Solar Electricity?

Solar energy came into the light in the mid-1900s. However, there is still a lot that people don't know about solar power. Since solar power is renewable energy, many of the people who initially took interest were trying to make the world a better place. Considering that solar power is environmentally friendly, it was and still is an excellent option for everyone to go “green”. Another reason the majority didn't take an active interest is the cost. Solar power used to be incredibly expensive in the past. However, it has become much more mainstream. It is now available at a much more affordable price.

The on-grid solar power system is one of three types, as discussed above. With on-grid solar energy systems, you can connect your home to a solar power system and still be connected to the main electrical grid.

With solar power on the grid, the electricity your solar panels generate will come into your home and power your appliances, lights, and everything else. Besides solar energy, you can still use the electricity offered by your utility company.

An on-grid solar power system can be incredibly beneficial if you decide to have fewer solar panels than your home requires. It can ease the burden on your pockets, but it will also mean you will need to pay for the power you use from the grid.

If you choose a lower output than your home needs with on-grid solar power, you won't be completely electricity independent. However, having solar power on the grid can also be a good thing whether it meets your home's requirement sometimes.

For example, if your home doesn't get enough sunlight for a few days because it's been raining and it has been cloudy, you can easily still get electricity from the grid without having to worry. If you're going with off-grid solar, you will need to get more electricity than your home needs to store some for the rainy and cloudy days.

How Does an On-Grid Solar Power System Work?

The electricity generated from on-grid solar energy can flow directly into your home. If you need more than that then grid connectivity will allow you to get that from the utility company. (LESCO/FESCO)

However, the story doesn't end there. If your solar panels are producing more energy than your home needs, the extra power will flow back into the main electrical grid.

If the thought that your extra solar-generated electricity will flow into the main electrical grid bothers you, the concept of net metering will put a big smile on your face. So, let's get into net metering for on-grid solar power systems.

How Does Net Metering Work?

The experts at RS Energy will help you get a Bidirectional Meter / Reverse Meter that will give you credit for the extra electricity produced and exported to the grid.

With an on-grid solar power system, you have the chance to generate more electricity than your home needs.

How does that happen? Say your solar PV power system generates more electricity on a good day than your home needs. If you don't store the excess, the net meter will send out the additional electricity to the electrical grid that your home is connected to for getting electricity when your solar panels don't produce enough.

When you sell energy to your electrical company, your electrical meter will go backward. Utility companies won't pay you back. They will simply subtract that amount from their bills. In case you don't use any of their electricity, your electricity bill will be negative and you can use that credit in the following month.

After paying heavy bills for decades, many people love to hear about their electrical company owing them money.

In Pakistan, the AEDB (Alternate Energy Development Board) requires electrical companies to install net metering at three-phase electricity consumer sites, wherever possible, to get more electricity for the rest of the population. Considering the electricity shortages, it makes sense.

However, the entire net metering process can be long and confusing. You may need to jump through hoops and face some problems. Therefore, let the experts at RS Energy by Zahid & Company handle the process. You can also contact us for all of your solar needs. Whether it's designing, buying, installation, or financing, RS Energy has got you covered.

What Are The Benefits of Using An On-Grid Solar Energy System?

Now that you know what an on-grid solar power system is, you should know whether it is the right fit for your needs. But before you make your decision, it may be helpful to go over some benefits of getting an on-grid solar power system for your home.

More Affordable

If you go with an on-grid solar power system, you may end up saving money in the beginning and down the road on maintenance. That's because on-grid solar energy systems require less equipment. Other than that, you can also sell any extra electricity that your solar panels generate. The more you sell, the more money you get from your electrical company.

Increase Property Value

Whether you're thinking about selling your home right now, maintaining or increasing the value of your home and other property is never a bad idea.

Many buyers these days are highly interested in getting homes with the latest everything. The latest technology and designs, the better. With a PV solar power system in your home, you can easily attract more buyers and charge a higher price for your home. You can easily recover your investment and may end up with extra. This can be especially beneficial if the electricity rates in your area are higher than average. For instance, some housing societies generate their electricity and sell it to their residents

Reliable

Getting your electricity from an on-grid solar power system is much more reliable than relying solely on the grid. Why? The solar panels won't have any load-shedding issues. If you think it is nighttime and your solar panels aren't generating any more electricity, keep in mind that many solar inverters store some electricity for emergencies.

However, you need to have a good solar installer that can supply quality products and provide quality services. That's why you should contact RS Energy by Zahid & Company for all your solar power needs. With proper design and installation, you can expect adequate energy efficiency and reliability.