Solar energy systems for residential properties operate on the same standard of converting sunlight into a direct current to supply the resident’s required energy via solar panels. The panels convert the sun’s rays to electricity (DC). Since most home appliances are powered by alternating current (AC), inverters or batteries convert DC into AC to make our appliances run.
There are three types of solar energy systems available for residences. The system that is best for your home depends on several factors such as your location (whether you would be receiving direct sunlight the majority of the day), energy needs (how many of your appliances would need to be powered by solar energy) and financial resources (installation of solar panels could be pricey).
Solar energy system that is still connected to the electricity grid
One of the types of Residential Solar Power System is the on-grid solar system. When you have an on-grid solar system, your solar energy system is still connected to the electricity grid. This is the type of solar system that is widely used on homes all over the world because not only would it help you use green energy; residents could still use the grid to control how much of the energy collected by the solar panels are used.
You should go solar and choose this solar energy system since the excess or surplus of energy that the panels managed to harness and converted to usable electricity that your home was not able to use would be converted to tariff since the extra power was returned to the electricity grid for consumption by others. They are also more affordable and easier to install making you able to reap the benefits of having them installed earlier than other systems.
Solar energy systems that are totally off the electricity grid
This type of system is best suited for those who live in the rural area and there is little to none grid connections. They are called as such because they operate without the assistance of any electric power grid. To make the system work during winter or during the times when there is less sunlight, a big capacity battery and off-grid inverter are needed in addition to solar panels.
Generators are also necessary as another energy source for unexpected demand. Since this system would be the major electricity and power supplier, there would be no monthly electric bills. However, purchasing and operating this system could be really expensive.
Solar energy systems that are hybrid
Hybrid solar energy systems are somehow similar to the on-grid solar system. The only difference is that excess or surplus of energy or power would not go directly to the electricity grid. Rather, it would be stored on a built-in solar battery.
The solar energy system transfers solar energy to your inverter and any excess energy that is not needed by your home at the moment are stored in the battery which would power your home if and when the solar panels are not generating any. If your home already consumed the excess power from the battery, it will then consume electricity from the grid. This is preferred by a lot of homeowners since they will always have power no matter what.
Once you have decided on which system you think will work best, ask for quotes from solar companies to give you an idea on the amount you would need for the system you chose.