On-grid solar pv system refers to a system where the direct current generated by solar panels is converted by a grid-tie inverter into alternating current that meets the requirements of the public power grid, and then directly connected to the grid. It can be divided into two types: grid-tied systems with batteries and without batteries. Grid-tied systems with batteries are dispatchable, meaning they can be integrated into or withdrawn from the grid as needed, and they also have backup power functionality, supplying emergency power when the grid is down due to a failure. These systems are often installed in residential buildings. Grid-tied systems without batteries are not dispatchable and do not have backup power functionality, and they are generally installed in larger-scale systems.
On-grid solar pv system mainly come in two forms: centralized and decentralized. The main feature of the centralized form is that the generated power is directly delivered to the grid, from where it is uniformly distributed to users. However, these power stations require large investments, have long construction periods, and occupy large areas. They generally have not been developed on a large scale yet and are typically national-level grid-tied photovoltaic power stations.
Decentralized small-scale grid-tied photovoltaics, especially building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), are currently the mainstream form of on-grid solar pv system due to their advantages of low investment, quick construction, small footprint, and strong policy support.
On-Grid Solar PV System with Reverse Flow
The on-grid solar pv system with reverse flow can feed surplus power generated by the solar photovoltaic system back into the public grid (selling electricity) when the power generation is abundant. When the power provided by the solar photovoltaic system is insufficient, electricity is drawn from the grid to supply the load (buying electricity). This is called a reverse flow photovoltaic system because the direction of power flow when feeding into the grid is opposite to that of drawing power from the grid.
On-Grid Solar PV System without Reverse Flow
In a on-grid solar pv system without reverse flow, the system does not feed power into the public grid even when power generation is abundant. However, when the solar photovoltaic system cannot supply sufficient power, the public grid supplies the load.
Switching On-Grid Solar PV System
A switching on-grid solar pv system, also known as a hybrid photovoltaic power system, has an automatic bidirectional switching function. When the photovoltaic system generates insufficient power due to cloudy or rainy weather or system faults, the switcher automatically switches to the grid supply side, supplying power from the grid to the load. If the grid suddenly fails for some reason, the photovoltaic system can automatically switch to disconnect from the grid, functioning as an independent photovoltaic power system. Some switching photovoltaic systems can also disconnect general loads and connect emergency loads when needed. Typically, switching grid-tied systems include energy storage devices.
On-Grid Solar PV System with Energy Storage
A on-grid solar pv system with energy storage includes energy storage devices as needed among the above-mentioned types of photovoltaic power systems. Systems with energy storage are highly proactive; they can operate independently and supply power to loads normally during grid outages, restrictions, or faults. Therefore, on-grid solar pv system with energy storage can be used as power supply systems for critical or emergency loads such as emergency communication power, medical equipment, gas stations, and refuge site lighting and indication.