Engineering
On-Grid, Off-Grid or Hybrid: Choosing the Right System
What each configuration does during the day, at night and in a power cut, and how we decide which one suits your site.
S. Mishra · · 2 min read
Every solar system turns sunlight into electricity. The difference between the three types is what happens to that electricity, and what happens when the grid goes down.
On-grid
Connected to the grid through a net meter. Solar power runs your home first and any extra goes to the grid. It is the most common choice for homes and businesses with reliable supply, and the configuration used for PM Surya Ghar subsidy.
For safety, a standard on-grid system shuts down during a power cut.
Off-grid
Runs on batteries with no grid connection. It suits locations without dependable grid access. Battery capacity decides how long your loads can run after sunset.
Hybrid
Grid-connected with battery backup. It works like an on-grid system during normal supply and keeps selected loads running during an outage. It costs more than on-grid because of the batteries.
How we recommend
- Your monthly consumption and how it changes through the year
- How often power cuts happen at your site, and for how long
- Usable, shadow-free roof area
- Which loads need backup, if any
- Budget and subsidy eligibility
After the site survey we recommend one configuration and explain the reasons in writing.
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