A Beginner’s Guide to Rooftop Solar Power Plants and Their Types

Solar power is one of the most widely used renewable energy sources across many countries in the world, including India. It poses several benefits, such as zero carbon emissions, cost savings, energy efficiency, energy security, diverse applications, easy installation, low maintenance, positive economic impact, and much more. This has resulted in rooftop solar power plants being installed in all sectors, including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and even domestic.

If you’re also planning to switch to solar energy and avail of its benefits, then this beginner’s guide is here to help you get started. So, continue reading to know more about how a rooftop solar power plant functions and its different types.

How Does a Rooftop Solar Power Plant Work?

A rooftop solar power plant consists of various components, including photovoltaic (PV) modules, an inverter, mounting structure, electrical wiring, cables, and connectors. First, the solar PV panels absorb the sun’s light and radiation, which it then converts into electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC). Next, the solar inverter converts the Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC) as the latter is required to power appliances.

The mounting structure is used to set up the PV panels on the rooftop, and the electrical wiring, including cables and connectors, complete the entire connection. While these are the primary components of a rooftop solar power plant, some also include a solar battery for backup – which we will discuss next.

The Types of Rooftop Solar Power Plants

Although there are several benefits of switching to solar energy, it is crucial to determine the type of rooftop solar power plant you should install. Here are the three available options:

1. On-Grid Rooftop Solar Power PlantOn-grid rooftop solar power plants, also known as grid-connected and grid-tie solar PV plants, are mostly used in the residential sector. As the name suggests, these operate by remaining connected to the local electricity grid. While solar energy is the primary power source, an on-grid system relies on the grid for backup, so you always have an electricity supply. Additionally, you can sell excess electricity to the grid through net metering to reduce your monthly power bill, which is an added advantage of on-grid rooftop solar power plants.
2. Off-Grid Rooftop Solar Power PlantAn off-grid rooftop solar power plant operates independently of the local grid and comes with a solar battery for backup. So, any excess energy being generated is stored in the battery for use during the night as well as power outages. Off-grid solar PV systems are best suited for households or businesses in remote areas with frequent electricity cuts. Even better, you can achieve energy independence with an off-grid solar plant as you won’t have to rely on the grid.
3. Hybrid Rooftop Solar Power PlantA hybrid solar power plant is fairly new compared to the other two rooftop solar power plants; however, it is a combination of both on-grid and off-grid solar PV systems. While hybrid rooftop systems remain connected to the electricity grid, they also come with a solar battery. This gives you dual benefits of lower monthly bills and battery backup, and it can be easily expanded as well. However, hybrid rooftop solar power plants are relatively costlier but are available in the Indian market.

So, now that you know how rooftop solar power plants function and their different types, it might be time to start looking for solar solution providers. However, it is vital to look for reliable and reputable companies such as Luminous that offer superior quality products and end-to-end services. Explore their website and make the switch to clean energy today!