The Grid Link, Part Two
Published on 17 Nov 2008 at 10:31 am.
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Filed under Home Improvement Hall, Universe Of Science.
On-grid or off-grid?
When you adopt solar power, , you have the choice of an on-grid or off-grid supply. This simply means deciding whether your home is going to remain connected to your power company’s utility grid or not.
This is the “grid link” option for consumers, an option that works either way, if you are considering going solar. You will not be left in the dark because you chose one over the other, but you will still see quite a difference in your electrical bill and savings whichever way you choose to go. Once you are off-grid, though, you will find that your home’s energy is completely free. If you’re trying to make a decision, let’s look at the differences:
Off-grid: Off-grid means that your home is independent from power lines and can be powered through solar panels, wind generators, or hydro-power – you can even get fancy and combine these options, having multiple systems running your home.
Being off-grid allows consumers to use only what they produce through the above mentioned power sources. Any off-grid source runs normal AC appliances, like refrigerators or stoves.
When running your home on wind power, it is a fact that you must live in a windy area for this system to be practical and efficient.
On-grid: Most residential consumers choose to be plugged into their local electrical company’s supply source, which is what on-grid is all about.
Your home’s roof top must be in direct sunlight to benefit from the sun’s energy output. If your home is hidden in a dense population of shady trees, a solar energy system may not be the ideal solution.
For an on-grid system, energy is stored during the day. When it produces more than what is used, the excess is then returned to the power company’s grid. In return, your power company will give you credit for your account.
During the night, your household electrical needs are being met by your power company, since the sun doesn’t shine at night or during cloudy days. If your system doesn’t produce enough energy, your power company will step in and make up the difference.
Mobile units
You can also run your power system in RVs and boats, for those who love to travel. You have at your disposal: off-grid solar (which is the sun’s energy), off-grid DC (which is run by a generator) and off-grid wind (which is run by a wind turbine). With all of these resources, you can have a battery back up system for extra support.
