On-Grid
On-grid or Grid-Tied or Grid-Connected solar PV systems are by far the most common and widely used by homes and businesses. These systems do not need batteries and are connected to the public electricity grid. Buildings that use a grid connected PV system can use a portion or all of their energy needs from solar energy, and still use power from the electricity grid, whenever needed (during excess load or on cloudy dull and rainy days or during the night). Also, any excess solar power that is generated and not consumed is exported to the electricity grid and is recorded through Net Metering technology, giving the best of both worlds. Electricity flows back-and-forth to and from the mains grid according to sunlight conditions and the actual electrical demand at that time.
The main advantage of a grid connected PV system is its simplicity, relatively low system and maintenance costs as well as reduced electricity bills. Also, as this type of PV system is permanently connected to the grid, no separate inverter wiring or inverter/load sizing is required. This gives the end customer a large range of capacity options starting from 1.0 kW onwards, depending on available rooftop space and budget.
The disadvantage, however, is grid connected PV systems are not able to function or generate electricity during a blackout.
WHAT IS NET METERING?
You bank the excess solar electricity with the grid and consume it when you need it. The electricity you import from the grid and the solar electricity you export to the grid will be recorded using a bi-directional electricity meter that will be installed at your home. At the end of the month, your billed only for the Net Power consumed (i.e. Imported Units – Exported Units) recorded on the Net Meter. If the Net Power consumed is negative then the Electricity Board owes you money and this settlement amount is calculated on a pre-determined rate and is returned by the Electricity Board on a fixed calendar cycle, which is once every 6 months or so.
To Know more about the process of installing an On-grid PV System along-with Net Meter http://www.solaridea.com/subsidy-net-meter-process.html
