Rooftop solar panel systems are of two types; off-grid solar system and an on-grid solar system.
Off-Grid solar system is one which works independently of the grid. The energy produced is feed directly to the house and the excess is stored in a battery system.
The main components of a simple off-grid system include: Solar panels, deep cycle batteries, charge controller and an inverter. A simple system operates at 12,24 or 48 Volts DC and is
usually composed of 1 to 3 solar panels (your source of power), a charge controller (a device to protect your inverter), 1-4 batteries and an inverter (A device to convert your stored DC power in the batteries for use into AC power for our appliances).
You can also use solar hybrid inverters that can charge the batteries when sunlight is there and charge them from the grid when the sunlight is not enough.
As this system involves batteries and storage, this system is costly and also requires regular maintenance of batteries. The batteries need a change every 4-6 years depending on how well they are maintained.
This type of system is ideal when you have frequent power cuts in your house and you are looking for a power backup solution.
On-grid system is connected to the grid. Here the energy produced is used to power your house and the excess is sent to the grid instead of storing in batteries.
Components of an on grid solar system include: Solar panels, array junction box (#AJB) or a combiner box (for protection as there is no earthing), on grid inverter, AC disconnect and main panel and a net meter. As these systems are connected directly to the grid they do not operate during power outage. For that you would need a hybrid system that includes some kind of battery backup.
An on gird system is best suited for people who are looking to reduce their electricity bill.
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