ON GETTING ROOFTOP SOLAR: DO YOU REALLY NEED BATTERIES?

ON GETTING ROOFTOP SOLAR: DO YOU REALLY NEED BATTERIES?

A comparison of the different types of solar systems

 

What is Grid-Tie?

Grid-Tie solar systems are the typical solar installations utilized by Metro Manila homes and businesses. Grid-Tie systems, otherwise known as On-Grid systems, interconnect grid power with solar power. This system automatically synchronizes solar with the grid. With this type of solar, there is no need for storage, therefore, no need for batteries. With this type of system, during the daytime, electricity is from the solar system. During night time, electricity is from the grid. In instances during the day when you produce more power than you consume, the excess or surplus power generated can be exported to the grid using the Net Metering program of the utility company. The exported power is paid via credits, which can be used later on. Electricity sent to the grid from your solar system can then be used by other consumers on the grid (such as your neighbors). The Grid-Tie system is the most ideal solar solution for homes within the Metro Manila area because power from the utility is stable and constant.

 

What is Off-Grid?

What is Off-Grid?

There are, of course, some clients who require the reliability of instant backup power that can only be provided by solar systems with batteries. With an off-grid solar system, you can maximize excess solar harvest by storing the power in batteries for evening consumption. Batteries serve as the buffer for times when the sun is not enough and loads have to be continuously supplied with sustained energy. Off-grid systems are usually for homes or facilities that have intermittent power or are in energy-starved areas where power is unstable.

 

Do you need batteries for your solar?

Not always and not necessarily. For most homes, they can use the grid-tie solar system since there is Net Metering where the utility readily gets the excess energy from solar installations and credits you for it – like a virtual battery. For the most part, however, our clients want solar for bill reduction purposes and to maximize their solar investment. In such instances, the solar power system does not need a battery.

 

Weighing the options

Weighing the options

When deciding whether to go on-grid or off-grid, make a carefully calculated choice. Consider the household or facility power requirements, loads, utility power conditions, energy supply, net metering permit requirements and processing, solar system size, budget, long-term renewable energy goals, and return on investment.

 

Turning on the sun

At Solaric, we appeal to Filipino sensibilities of approachability, service and value. Before we give a quotation, we learn how you use energy. We determine the best ways to maximize your return on a hard-earned investment. We present different strategies to ensure that you achieve your solar goals. We want to ensure reduced expenses and increased savings so that you make that one-time wise business and environmental investment. We always do our best to deliver fast, efficient, and thorough customer service. We are in the business of not just selling solar panels – but also enabling solar-powered lifestyles. With this, we want to provide endless satisfaction by delivering Solaric Service Satisfaction, ranging from permanent reduction of electric bills to the ultimate ZERO bill.

 

Solaric is the leader in rooftop solar

Solaric has established its name across the renewable industry as a proven and reputable rooftop solar leader. Backed by decades of experience, Solaric has installed more than 50% of residential rooftop solar in the Philippines and has delivered significant cost reductions in electricity expenses, as well as milestone contributions to a cleaner, greener, and renewable future. We want every Filipino to enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable power. Welcome to the new generation of solar and turning on the sun.

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Contact the solar experts

For more information on solar power systems and solar system installers and experts, click here.

If you also want to #TurnOnTheSun then give us a call at 5040092 or 09178603141 or 09083775577, email info@solaric.com.ph or visit www.solaric.com.ph

We will gladly explain to you how the system works, or schedule a survey so we can give you options for your new home or existing homes or businesses.

At Solaric, we Turn on the Sun.

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ON-GRID VS OFF-GRID

ON-GRID VS OFF-GRID

On-Grid Solar

On-Grid Solar

On-Grid solar panel systems, otherwise known as Grid Tie, are the most common and most widely used by homes and businesses globally. On-Grid solar panels in the Philippines blend or interconnect solar power with grid power using solar inverters. These systems do not need batteries. When you produce more power than you consume, the excess or surplus power generated can be exported to the grid using the Net Metering program of the utility company. The exported power is paid via credits, which can be used later on. Electricity sent to the grid from your solar system can then be used by other consumers on the grid (such as your neighbors). When you use more electricity than your solar is producing, then you will start importing from the grid – in other words, you will be consuming electricity from the utility company.

Benefits of On-Grid or Grid-Tie Solar

The top three benefits of On-Grid: most efficient system, fastest ROI, and most cost effective to install. These are the simplest systems and come highly recommended because the systems pay for themselves by offsetting utility bills. ROI is typically between 3 to 5 years for the typical average sized 5kWp solar panel in the Philippines of a Filipino homeowner.

Disadvantages of On-Grid Solar

Disadvantages of On-Grid Solar

On-Grid systems can only generate power when the grid power is available. During power outages, there will be no power from the solar system, because on-grid solar systems are not able to function or generate electricity during a blackout due to safety reasons.

If you want to lower your electric bills and reduce it from 30% to 70%, or even eliminate it and make it a #ZeroBill, then the On-Grid system is the best solution. You save money and you reduce your carbon footprint, thus saving the environment at the same time.

Off-Grid Solar

Off-Grid systems are not connected to the electricity grid and therefore requires storage of power in batteries. Off-Grid systems allow you to store your solar power in batteries for use later on. Power is first sent to the batteries, and then to the appliances. In an off-grid setup, you are not on the grid, meaning even if the grid has a power outage, you are not affected. An off-grid system should be designed appropriately so that it generates sufficient power and have enough battery capacity to meet the requirements of the facility – whether it be a home or a business. Designing an off-grid system with the right solar array size is complex. Professionals and engineers need to conduct a detailed analysis and comprehensive study of your load requirements and your minimal critical needs.

Benefits of Off-Grid Solar

Benefits of Off-Grid Solar

The number one advantage and number one benefit of off-grid solar is the fact that it provides power for your loads even when there is no grid power or even in the midst of a city-wide power outage.

Disadvantages of Off-Grid Solar

The high cost of batteries dictates that off-grid solar systems are much more expensive than on-grid systems. They cost about four to five times more than on-grid systems. Ideal setups that require off-grid solar are remote, power-starved areas or locations, the ones that do not have grid power. Off-Grid systems are costly to install as they require a string inverter, batteries, and charge controller. Then there’s the issue of ongoing maintenance and periodic replacement of the batteries.

Conclusion

Off-grid systems are not recommended for the average Filipino home or business. They are not cost effective and they do not achieve ROI within five years, due to the higher costs involved. The usual recommendation is to install an On-Grid solar system and invest in a backup generator, in the event of power outages. That is the most cost-effective and most efficient solution available today.

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