With the rise in the demand for solar power panels, it has become of utmost necessity that homeowners realize the different kinds of panels based on which they can capitalize on the benefits. But first, let’s shed some light on what a solar power panel is. A solar panel is a photovoltaic sheet installed on the roof of a house or a place where it receives enough sunlight to convert it into solar energy.

Generators are attached to these solar panels that convert the produced solar power into consumable power wattage. The electric current obtained from the generator then becomes the power source for a household, so most American homes have solar panels.

Given their huge demand and the economic benefits, solar panels have become a customarily found aspect in residential places and extensive industries. Shifting to solar energy is a much-needed step to convey to everyone that they must embrace renewable energy sources. Not only does it help you economically, but it also reduces the carbon footprints of our society, thus reshaping our environment for a better future.

What Is Grid-Tied Solar?

As the name suggests, such a solar panel comes attached with a power grid that has a multi-purpose role, such as: 

• Aiding the solar panel to generate a usable alternating current that powers your property.
• Omit the excess generated energy for net metering or save it for later usage. 

People often wonder why a solar panel is getting run by its own generated power. It is because grid-tied solar panels are attached to an inverter that firstly provides all the required energy, and subsequently, the excess power is stored in the attached grid. That makes it a solar bank for future usage, especially when your solar panels are not producing energy. Grid-tied solar panels are effective for both day and night, where your house gets the required energy from the grid again. 

Benefits of Grid-Tied Solar

After discussing the basic functionality of a grid-tied solar panel, let’s deep dive into some of the major benefits that homeowners enjoy with grid-tied solars - 

• Cost-saving - If you were to visit a solar consultant, they would recommend you to buy a grid-tied solar panel because it is economical and efficient at the same time. The panel requires no additional batteries and offers net metering with a workaround to power your property, even when there is no sun. 
• Virtual battery pack - As we know that the grid stores the excess produced solar energy, it becomes a battery pack in an event when the solar panel isn’t able to produce power. You can still get power via the grid, and nothing goes in vain.

What Is Hybrid Solar?

Next up is the second kind of solar panel, a combination of off-grid and on-grid solar panels that use heavy batteries and power inverters to store electricity for future usage. These batteries function similarly to a UPS system in a power blackout. With a hybrid solar, photovoltaic energy and thermal solar energy are put to use simultaneously, thus making it an effective choice to capitalize on the benefits offered individually by photovoltaic and thermal solar panels.

It is not economical and impossible for a solar panel to function throughout the day. Therefore, you must have enough battery backup, especially at night, to power your premises. In addition, this hybrid model also offers you to remain connected to the power grid, so you never run out of power. Moreover, homeowners relying on hybrid solar panels can sell away the additional electricity produced to their respective electricity board committees. 

Benefits of Hybrid Solar 

• The first and foremost benefit that a hybrid solar panel gives is the ability not to lose power at any point in time. Hybrid solars provide constant power backup to homeowners, even when the panels are not converting direct sunlight into electricity. 
• Since these panels do not involve additional fuels, it maneuvers as an economical solution to solar panels. 
• Again, as hybrid solar panels have power batteries with them, they proficiently utilize solar radiation and constantly work to produce and store solar energy. It allows you to utilize solar energy even when the weather is overcast. 

What is Off-grid Solar?

Unlike the grid-tied solars, off-grid solar panels function independently of the electricity grid and help the homeowners avoid issues like constant power outages and high installation costs. And ever since people have understood the significance of keeping the environment clean, off-grid solar panels have been in demand. Let’s explore a few primary benefits that these solar panels offer - 

• Avoiding power interruptions is the key benefit while using an off-grid solar. Even though the outage could last for a minute or two, it becomes incredibly frustrating when it happens. Thus, to avoid it, off-grid solar panels can be effectively used and escape the trap of waiting for power backup to come. 
• The installation procedure of an off-grid solar panel is quite simple and convenient, especially when setting up the grid if not involved. 

Which one is better?

Solar power consumption varies for each household, and therefore what kind of solar panel is required must be considered wisely. Based on your house’s monthly energy consumption and weather conditions in your region, with the help of a professional, you must choose a perfect solar solution for your home!

Conclusion

Emerald Sun Energy offers extremely efficient and reliable solar solutions at affordable prices. Our solar experts have helped many homeowners across Orlando find an appropriate solar panel for their premises. With a seamless installation process and a low-cost system, we strive to walk together on the path of utilizing renewable energy. To know more details or book an on-site inspection, schedule a callback from our team. Talk to the experts at Emerald Sun Energy today!