How much will solar cost you? While the sun energy itself is free there are some devices you have to purchase initially prior to using the electricity for free. Don’t start buying anything now because we have to firstly look at what installation method you prefer. In this post we will talk about the on-grid an off-grid option.
On-Grid Solar Power Generator
On-grid system integrates the electricity from the electric solar panels into the power lines provided by the utility company. While you may think it is less effective actually this combination gives you a lot of benefits:
- You are connected to two electricity sources; if one fails the other system can always back it up.
- The on-grid (also known as grid-tied) system is more reliable than off-grid especially in the cloudy areas.
- On-grid system without battery is less expensive than off-grid system. However if you choose to go on-grid without battery there will be a time when the grid goes down in a cloudy day or night and you are left alone without electricity despite of the huge solar array you have on the roof ….
- On-grid system needs less maintenance compared to off-grid system.
- In the states that enable net metering you can get some credits from the electricity produced by your solar array. How it works? The meter will spin backwards (you are getting credit here) if your solar system generates enough electricity in a hot sunny day. When there is lack of sunlight you will withdraw the electricity from the power lines, meaning you have to pay the utility company for the electricity. Withdrawing electricity will spin the meter forwards as usual. Note that you still have to pay a small amount of monthly cost to maintain the connection.
Off-Grid Solar Power Generator
Off-grid system is not connected to the power lines, maybe due to the owner prefer to have it that way or because there is no power lines available. If you live in a remote area where there is no electricity available you don’t have other choices. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Initial cost will be higher than the on-grid system without battery. If you choose to go off-grid you have to provide battery to bank the electricity otherwise you have nothing during the nights. Battery can cost you thousands of dollars so it can be quite frightening for some people.
- Solar batteries have shorter lifespan than the panels. Some batteries need certain maintenance as well.
- While generating electricity from the sun is considered green, disposing of used batteries is another issue: it is highly toxic.
If you are living in the United States you will find that in most places solar power generator and wind turbine alone can’t supply enough electricity to power your home due to insufficient wind or sun during winter season. The best choice is still to combine the grid and solar power.
the SolarCost admin
green energy for better Earth
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