The Pros and Cons of Grid-Tied vs Off-Grid Solar Solutions

Within solar energy solutions used for both residential and commercial purposes, the vast majority must choose from these two: grid-tied vs off-grid solar energy solutions. The question that seems to pop up frequently is that which one is better, grid-tied vs off-grid solar solutions? Well, today we’ll look at this question and through a detailed introspective look at both the systems and which requirements they cater to the best, we’ll conclude with the major advantages and disadvantages of both grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions.

In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of both grid-tied vs off-grid solar solutions, and what these two systems bring to the table in terms of utility, usability and their applications in both residential and commercial setups in Pakistan. Since the energy grid isn’t the best in Pakistan, people are now rapidly utilizing the benefits of solar energy solutions, and it is important for us to distinguish which one might be better for consumers.

Now, without any further ado, lets get into the debate of grid-tied vs off-grid solar solutions and their sets of advantages and disadvantages.

Grid-tied vs off-grid solar: pros and cons

Starting with off-grid systems, let’s start with the advantages and the disadvantages of off-grid solar energy solutions.

Off-grid solar energy system

There are many benefits of using an off-grid solar energy system to power your home should the grid be unreliable. Let’s start with the obvious ones.

• Uninterrupted power: With an off-grid solar energy solution, you will have access to uninterrupted energy throughout the day. Many remote areas have plenty of sunshine throughout the day, and since these areas don’t have other environmental factors that often affect the generation potential adversely, an off-grid solar energy solution is perfect.
• Energy storage: Off-grid solar solutions come standard with extensive energy storage options, complete with high-efficiency solar batteries that can support the energy demands of the household in certain situations. What makes it even better is that some systems will let you increase the number of batteries connected to the system, in effect letting you increase your energy storage potential to be used for a rainy day.
• Reduces dependency on unreliable grid: The main purpose of installing an off-grid solar energy solution for your home in a remote setting is to ensure that whatever problems the grid has, your household does not have to experience them. For example, while the national grid (even in Pakistan) has considerable reach throughout the country, there are still areas where the grid is highly unreliable and develops faults that may put the entire area in extended blackout periods. In that case, an off-grid solar energy solution will stave off the need for having to rely on an unstable grid, and your premises will stay powered no matter what.

Cons

Here are some potential drawbacks of having an off-grid solar energy solution installed.

• Cost: Solar energy systems are usually expensive, and while hybrid and on-grid systems don’t exactly come cheap, off-grid systems really take the cake. This is because they need additional equipment to ensure the premises stay powered, since there is no grid to rely or back up on. Whereas hybrid and on-grid systems will both use grid input to supplement their output. Which means a more robust and efficient system, which translates to increased cost of equipment and subsequent installation.
• Loss of potential generation: Off-grid solar energy systems are remarkably efficient; however, they do require an ample amount of exposure to sunlight for them to be feasible when it comes to electricity. This means that for days when its cloudy outside, or during monsoon when rainclouds cover the sun consistently, the output from the system will be substantially lower, which could potentially affect the household’s ability to consume electricity.

Grid-tied solar energy systems

As the name implies, this is a solar energy solution where the equipment installed is geared towards staying connected to the grid, which certainly has its set of limitations. That means that with grid-tied solar energy systems, solar energy will only be generated when obviously the sun is out, and the grid is functional. With on-grid solar systems, long durations of power outages are less than ideal; since the solar energy system requires continuous power input, the solar energy system wont work in this case.

However, more than ideal for on-grid solar energy systems is the fact that net-metering is enabled on these systems, which means that any excess power that is generated by the solar equipment can and will be exported back to the grid, thus allowing you to have a credit system with your power company, which will obviously be reflected in the utility bills that you get. Net metering is a great advantage of having a solar energy system at all, and the more popular option out of this debate of on-grid vs hybrid solar system allows you to enjoy the benefits of net metering.

RS Energy: Best Solar Company in Pakistan!

For the best off-grid and on-grid solar energy solutions and complete solar energy systems in Pakistan, your partner for complete energy efficiency is RS Energy, Pakistan’s best solar energy company. We have comprehensive solutions and offer NOC-based services that keep you energized and your solar energy system always at the peak of efficiency. Experience the best of solar with RS Energy.