One of the questions we at Naandi get asked a lot is whether we store the solar energy our Rooftop Solar Systems generate. The solar revolution has everyone excited about the possibilities of generating and storing their own power. While that seems to be an ideal solution, Grid Connected Rooftop solar is far better suited for a project like Naandi than a battery based system. In partnership with Four Solar, our energy partner, we have implemented a Grid Connected Rooftop system that produces more than adequate power for household functions and relies on the grid to sell excess power and harness power in case of low solar power generation.
Here’s how the GC system is better in our context than Battery-based Rooftop (BR) Systems:
ROI: Grid Connected rooftop solar begins to pay you back instantly as excess power generated by the system is sold to the grid. Battery based systems require constant upkeep and battery replacements every year meaning it won’t generate an ROI.
Comprehensive usage: You can power your AC, fridge and other high-power consumption devices on a GC system because the power is directly consumed by the load. BR systems have limitations working with ACs and other induction devices.
Maintenance: Battery based systems require extensive maintenance due to the number of parts involved. The battery, inverter and other peripherals all require maintenance or replacement after a few years. Since GC systems generate power that is used directly and pass on the surplus to the grid, their maintenance is very limited.
Export surplus power: The excess solar power generated by a Grid Connected system is exported to the grid and earns revenue. The difference between grid power consumed & grid power exported by the rooftop solar system is adjusted in the power bill. In a Battery based system, all the energy generated is stored/used by the batteries and cannot be sold.
In the context of Naandi, and in most places with power stability Grid connected solar systems are much better than battery based systems. The ROI, less maintenance hassle and adaptability, whether it is by adding gen sets or batteries for certain functions, make grid connected solar score higher than battery based rooftop solar systems.