Off-Grid, On-Grid and Hybrid System: The Difference

The term solar panel system should now be familiar in society. However, the terms on-grid, off-grid and hybrid are still unfamiliar to the ear. Even if these three terms are very important to know.

Especially considering Indonesia’s assumption that it is targeting new renewable energy share of up to 48% in 2030. This is supported by the use of solar energy used in Indonesia. Therefore, it is very important to know the different terms related to this system. What are on-grid, off-grid and hybrid? Here is the information.

Panel Surya On-Grid

On-grid solar panels are solar panels that are connected to the electrical grid installed in buildings. On-grid solar panels have several advantages, including:

  1. No batteries

    On-grid solar panels do not need to use batteries for power storage. These modules are highly dependent and prioritize direct solar power.
  2. Easier to install

    On-grid solar panels are easier to install and operate. Compared to off-grid solar panels, on-grid solar panels are simpler because they connect directly to the building’s electrical grid, so you don’t have to worry about charging the batteries.
  3. Not dependent on fossil energy sources

    On-grid solar panels can help reduce dependence on fossil energy sources such as oil or coal. By using on-grid solar panels, we can rely on an unlimited natural energy source, which is the sun.

Although it has many advantages, on-grid solar panels also have some disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages are as follows.

  1. The location must be exposed to direct sunlight

    On-grid solar panels require a location that receives direct sunlight throughout the day to produce optimal power. This makes on-grid solar panels unsuitable for areas where it rains frequently or where there is heavy fog.
  2. Relatively high installation costs

    On-grid solar panels also require quite a high cost when they are first installed. However, depending on the amount of electricity generated, these costs will be amortized over a long period of time.

Panel Surya Off-Grid

Off-grid solar panels are solar panels that are used to generate electricity without being connected to the grid by the PLN. This type of panel is very useful for those who live in off-grid areas or for those who want to live a greener life by using renewable energy sources.

There are several differences between off-grid panels and other solar panels that you should be aware of, namely:

  1. Not connected to the mains

    Off-grid modules are not connected to the grid. This means you need to store the energy this panel produces in the battery so it can be used when needed. While other solar panels are connected to the grid and can forward the excess energy to PLN.
  2. Requires a larger energy storage system

    This is because the off-grid panel is not connected to the grid, so all the energy generated has to be stored in the battery for use when needed. Meanwhile, other solar panels only need to store a small amount of energy as they can forward excess energy to PLN.
  3. Higher installation costs

    Because the off-grid panel requires a larger energy storage and is not connected to the power grid. Therefore, additional components such as inverters and batteries must be purchased and installed. Meanwhile, other solar panels only need to pay the installation cost of the panels and inverters.
  4. Lower efficiency

    This is because the off-grid panel needs to undergo an energy conversion process from DC (direct current) to alternating current (alternating current) through the inverter before it can be used, resulting in energy losses during the process. Meanwhile, other solar panels feed directly into the power grid without going through the conversion process.

Panel-Surya-Hybrid

Off-Grid, On-Grid and Hybrid System

Hybrid solar panels are solar panels that can generate electrical energy from sunlight or other energy sources such as generators. This hybrid solar module is very well suited for use in places that are not always exposed to sunlight, such as. B. in areas with bad weather or in areas that are rarely exposed to sunlight such. There are several advantages of this hybrid solar panel, namely:

  1. Continuously generate electrical energy

    Can continuously generate electrical energy as it does not depend on sunlight alone. In addition, hybrid solar panels have high efficiency compared to traditional solar panels, allowing them to generate more electrical energy from the same energy source.
  2. Easy to install and operate

    Hybrid solar panels have other advantages as well, namely they are easy to install and easy to use. Unlike ordinary solar panels, which require quite complicated installation, hybrid solar panels only need to be installed on a roof or in a sun-exposed location and then connected to the building’s electrical system.

However, hybrid solar panels also have disadvantages, namely the price is more expensive than ordinary solar panels. Nevertheless, this price will quickly be amortized by the savings in electricity costs thanks to these hybrid solar modules.

The difference between on-grid, off-grid and hybrid solar panels

Based on the above information, we can conclude that on-grid and hybrid PLTS are very suitable to meet the electrical energy needs of different types of buildings, especially to support your business. . The only difference is that On-Grid does not need a battery to store electrical energy reserves. Off-grid, on the other hand, requires a battery to store power reserves.

In addition, off-grid can be used as the main solution for electricity needs, especially in areas not yet reached by PLN. Powered by a large accumulator and battery in case the weather is less favourable.

Now that you know the differences, you can choose which solar panel is right for you. Don’t forget to use solar panels from SUN Energy, because we offer energy-saving solutions by installing integrated solar panels. Immediately consult your power needs with SUN Energy to get the right solution.

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