Due to the existing energy crisis and increasing power shortages in Pakistan, there has been notable growth in the use of solar energy by both residential and commercial sectors. Solar energy solutions are dependable and renewable; however, selection between off-grid and on-grid systems could be a tedious task. Both have unique benefits, but they serve different use cases. Differentiating between them can assist in identifying which one suits the conditions the best over here in Pakistan.
What Are On-Grid Solar Panels?
These systems are called grid-tied because on-grid solar solutions have one or more solar panels that are connected to the electric power national grid. A grid-connected system uses solar-powered electricity to take the place of electricity that is drawn from the grid. The surplus energy can then be utilized to recharge the grid. In addition, the grid can provide energy during non-peak hours as a backup source, such as cloudy days and nighttime when solar energy cannot be harnessed.
In Pakistan’s urban centers, the use of on-grid solar systems is gradually increasing due to stable grid connectivity. With this system, one can draw electricity from the grid during times of inadequate sunlight or outages but can use solar power during the day. There is also a system called net metering where users can put back the surplus power made into the grid, earning credit for any electricity supplied.
What Are Off-Grid Solar Panels?
Stand-alone systems, also known as off-grid solar systems, are not connected with the national grid. These systems are perfect for rural locations where the provision of grid infrastructure is weak or unavailable. Consisting of solar panels, and batteries alongside an inverter to change the DC power generated from the panels into AC power, off-grid systems are great for places lacking in power supply.
The inverter guarantees complete independence from the grid, ensuring power access in places where there are regular outages or no electricity source at all. The excess power created during the daytime can be used at night or on cloudy days.
What Is The Difference Between On-Grid And Off-Grid Solar Panels?
Connection to the Grid:
- Off-grid solar systems are individual and self-supporting and thus do not interact with the national grid, unlike on-grid systems which are affiliated with it.
- On-grid systems enable the feeding of surplus energy into the grid, whereas off-grid systems do not feed to the grid but rely on battery storage for future energy consumption.
Cost:
- On-grid systems have a lower initial cost because there is no investment in batteries which tend to greatly inflate the expenses for an off-grid system.
- Off-grid solar systems tend to be more expensive as there is the need for investment in additional equipment such as batteries and controllers to ensure optimal performance.
What Works Best in Pakistan?
On-grid solar Panels can be deployed more conveniently in densely populated urban locations or areas linked to the national grid. Since Pakistan suffers from severe power outages, on-grid systems become attractive due to their ready supply and the possibility of negative electricity bills. While net metering is still in its infancy in Pakistan, there is hope that it will encourage taking these measures as it has a potential pay-back option for those willing to invest in generating surplus energy. On-grid solar systems are best suited in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad where the grid infrastructure is well-established.
Policies such as net metering alongside subsidies for solar installations have been introduced in Pakistan. This is bound to make the on-grid systems easier and more profitable to use.
In particular, businesses and homes that regularly suffer power outages can benefit from using an on-grid solar system since they can still access power from the grid when solar energy solutions are insufficient.
Nonetheless, on the contrary, on-grid systems might not be able to help areas with unreliable grid infrastructure such as rural and remote areas. The national grid for these areas tends to be unstable and suffers power cuts regularly. Hence, Off-Grid Solar Panels for such remote locations are a more ideal solution.
Off-grid systems are useful for regions that have little to no access to electricity. Places that face prolonged power shortages or are on the unfrequented side of the map can use off-grid systems to ensure their homes or businesses hold independent sources of energy. The ability to store energy in batteries alongside not relying on the grid makes this system useful; especially during the hot months in Pakistan when demand is at its peak.
Conclusion
The same can be said about on-grid systems as well. Both options present unique advantages although the final decision will be dependent on the energy needs of the consumer. For instance, on-grid solar panels are suitable for regions with a reliable grid infrastructure because they are cheaper and more reliable together with net metering programs. On the other hand, off-grid solar systems are more suited for remote locations that are devoid of a national grid or regions that suffer chronic power outages as they provide greater independence and reliable energy access.
Cognizance of the advantages and disadvantages of the systems is essential when conducting business in Pakistan.