Network solar power plants: all about them in the iSolar blog

On-grid solar power plant: advantages, design features and application prospects

You probably already have at least a basic understanding of what a solar power plant is. Of course, this is equipment that generates energy from sunlight and converts it into the same household electricity that powers many different appliances in our homes, offices, workshops, or even outdoors. At the same time, there are many technologies for building solar power plants, as the industry is constantly and intensively developing. Therefore, a power plant may differ significantly from another. In particular, within the framework of solar power plants, they are divided into three main types: hybrid, stand-alone, and grid-tied. The latter are in great demand today and are the best example of the balance of efficiency and cost in the green energy sector. So, in this article, let’s take a closer look at on-grid solar power plants: their application, features, and advantages.

What is a grid-tied solar power plant?

First of all, what is a grid-tied solar power plant? This is a type of SPP characterized by connection to an external grid, and therefore has this name. That is, you install photovoltaic equipment that supplies energy both to your appliances and to the general grid. Thanks to this, the use of a grid-connected PV system can be two-way:

• It can be the main source of energy for your home or office.
• It can serve as an additional source of income if you sign an agreement with the state under the Green Tariff program or the Net Billing mechanism and become an energy supplier at the price stipulated by law.

And if you want, you can use both opportunities at the same time and power your home or business from a solar grid station and sell the surplus to the state.

Typical design of a grid-tied SPP: what does it include?

What is a grid-tied SPP by design? Its main components are as follows:

• Photovoltaic panels that absorb solar radiation and convert it into direct current.
• Structures on which photovoltaic panels are fixed. They can be located on the roof, on the ground, or on the facade of a building.
• A grid-tie inverter is the main unit where the direct current from PV panels is converted into alternating current that can be used in a standard power grid.
• Cables that transmit energy from the solar station to the grid.

Additionally, you can order a remote monitoring system from iSolar, which will provide remote control of the station, as we also have a similar service for owners of grid-tied solar power plants.

Additionally, it is worth noting that on-grid solar power plants differ in their capacity, as they can be used both in households and for industrial purposes. For example, a 5 kW grid-tied solar power plant can power basic household appliances, but it is unlikely to be useful in production or as a resource for additional income from sales under the Green Tariff. But more powerful 30 kW or 50 kW solar power plants will be able to produce more electricity to power powerful appliances or a large office.

Application advantages: why choose grid-tied solar power plants?

And now it’s time to talk about why grid-tied solar power plants are in demand. Of course, it is because of their numerous advantages.

• This is a source of free, environmentally friendly renewable energy that is almost unlimited.
• With grid-tied SPPs, you don’t need to deliver electricity from the generation site to users – generation takes place directly in your backyard or industrial area.
• High endurance. The average lifetime of on-grid solar power plant systems is 25 years, and at iSolar, we offer equipment with a lifetime of 30+ years.
• Variable operation: if you want, you can use the generated electricity for your own needs, if you want, you can switch to centralized networks, and if you have surplus electricity, you can sell it at a high tariff.
• Fast payback. On-grid solar power plants cost less than stand-alone or hybrid power plants, and their efficiency and ability to be a source of profit accelerate the return on your investment

So, for domestic and industrial purposes, they are simply the best option.

How to install? Is it worth assembling a grid-tied SPP yourself?

In addition to the direct purchase of components for a grid-connected solar power plant, it is very important to pay attention to its installation, commissioning, and maintenance. If you have professional services in all three of these areas, you will be able to ensure its continuous and efficient operation. For example, our company offers a full range of services, including:

• Preliminary assessment of the landscape and development of the SPP location project.
• Selection of the most efficient equipment from the leaders of the global energy market with a minimum markup.
• Installation of solar panels on the roof, facade, ground surface with our own designs of fasteners.
• Commissioning, including the preparation and launch of the Green Tariff program.
• Maintenance of the station with a number of routine maintenance activities and, if necessary, urgent repairs.
• Remote monitoring and control of the station.

So, it’s better not to skimp on installation and maintenance, because high-quality work will ensure the fastest possible return on investment and reduce your utility bills.

On-grid solar power plants are a true balance of efficient renewable energy production and reasonable equipment and installation costs. They can be used for household, industrial or commercial purposes and provide you with true independence from centralized electricity suppliers and fuel market players.