There are three types of solar grid systems you can go for, with two of them including the battery: on-grid systems, on-grid hybrid systems with energy storage, and off-grid systems, each one offers benefits for the home.
On-grid systems
These systems are within your typical neighbourhood and are connected to the energy grid. These systems usually only include solar panels. Any excess energy that gets generated from the panels gets sent to the grid. By exporting your energy, you receive a feed-in-tariff which can average between 5c – 20c depending on your energy retailer. When your solar panels are not generating electricity or you consume more than you produce, you will import energy from the grid to supply your demands.
If the grid shuts down, your solar panels will become inactive due to safety concerns. One of the biggest drawbacks of the on-grid system is the lack of power backup when the grid or power lines get damaged or turned off, this is because it does not have a battery.
On-grid hybrid systems
On-grid hybrid systems are becoming more common within the Australian household. These hybrid systems incorporate both an energy source (solar, wind, biomass etc.) with a storage system like the LG Home Battery.
One of the important points of a hybrid system is that it allows the household owner to store excess energy for future usage both during the day and at night when the solar panels are inactive. During the day, solar batteries can help supply the house when energy demand exceeds the output of the solar panels, they can even provide backup during a blackout.
The LG Home Battery offers the ability to power your home during a blackout event. If you want this option for your battery, then you must mention this to your LG installer as it requires further setup.
Off-grid systems
These types of systems are often seen in rural areas, where energy independence and sustainability are key factors in choosing how to generate and store electricity. They are incredibly important for areas which are remote and have an inadequate supply of energy from the grid or have trouble in obtaining fuel supplies. These systems are also highly cost-efficient in the long term and will offer a reliable and renewable way to power the building’s appliances.
One of the major differences between on-grid, hybrid, and off-grid systems is that the latter functions by producing and storing energy locally so that there is no reliance on external sources like an energy grid. These off-grid systems generate and consume energy similar to that of the hybrid systems, they create energy using solar panels during the day and use the stored energy at night or when the energy usage exceeds the supply by the solar panels.
Off-grid setups are built specifically with the energy usage in mind, ensuring that the energy consumption and production are at an equal and maintainable level so that there is a continuous energy supply.
Comments