How solar energy works?

Solar panels convert solar energy or sunlight into DC power using the photovoltaic (PV) effect
DC power can be stored in a battery or converted into AC power by a solar inverter which can be used to run home appliances
Excess solar energy can either be fed into the electricity grid for credits, or stored in a variety of different battery storage systems

Types of Plants

On Grid Plant

Integrated with a Grid, does not require a battery bank
Surplus power generated by the system would be supplied to the grid
The system generated power is supplied to the loads during the day while grid power is supplied during the night.
Generally, grid-power is supplied during the night
No backup power facility during a blackout/power cut
Cheapest mode

Current Bill Structure

Units Consumed = 15 units
Billed units = 15 units x Rs 8 per unit
Bill = Rs. 120

With Rooftop Solar

Month 1
--------
Units Consumed = 15 units (meter captures: utility to home)
Units Produced = 16 units (meter captures: home to utility)
Billed units = (15-16) = -1
Bill Amount = Maximum(0, Billed Units) = Maximum(0, -1) = 0 x 8 = Rs. 0
Renewable Energy Credits (REC) = 1 units

Month 2
--------
Consumed = 20 units (meter captures: utility to home)
Produced = 16 units (meter captures: home to utility)
Billed units = (20-16) - pending credits = 4 - 1 = 3
Bill Amount = Maximum(0, Billed Units) = Maximum(0, 3) = 3 x 8 = Rs. 24
Credits = 0 units
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Month 12 (Financial Year - March)
--------
Consumed = 16 units (meter captures: utility to home)
Produced = 16 units (meter captures: home to utility)
Pending Credits = 30 units

Billed units= (16-16) - pending credits = 4 - 1 = 3
Bill Amount = Maximum(0, Billed Units) = Maximum(0, 3) = 3 x 8 = Rs. 24
Adjustments = Pending Credit x Feed In Tarriff (Rs. 1-3 per unit)
            = 30 x 1-3 = Rs. 30-90 (amount as cash/credit)

Credits = 0 units

On Grid Rooftop Solar Plant at Home

Inverter: Inverter converts variable DC output into AC power. Inverter also synchronizes generated power with the grid for injecting it back to the grid.
Module Mounting Structure: The support structure that holds the Solar PV panels in place for full system life, Exposed to all weather conditions, the structure is normally fixed at particular angle and orientation in case of solar rooftop system.
Bi-direction Meters: Meters are used to record the generation or consumption of electricity. These bi-direction (or Net Meters) keep track of electricity injected to utility grid and the electricity drawn from the utility grid.
Balance of System: cables, switchboards, junction boxes, earthing system, circuit breaker, fuses, lightning protection system, etc.

Off Grid Solar Plant at Home

Off-Grid plants are not connected with the utility grid
They rely on batteries connected with the system to store electricity generated during day time
Electricity from the batteries is consumed to power appliances and household electricity demands load

An Off-Grid plant doesn't need a net-meter to be installed, however, needs below additional components:

Charge Controller: a protective device which determines how much current is injected into the batteries for its most optimum performance
Batteries : battery bank provides the power to the load and therefore, works as a backup power

How solar energy works?

Types of Plants

On Grid Rooftop Solar Plant at Home

Off Grid Solar Plant at Home

System Comparison

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