Understanding On-Grid (Grid-Tied) Solar
For 90% of urban Indian households, On-Grid Solar is the best financial decision. It is the most affordable type of solar system because it eliminates the most expensive component: the batteries.
How Net Metering Works
The magic of On-Grid solar lies in the Bi-directional Meter (Net Meter) provided by your DISCOM.
- Generation (Day): Your panels produce power. If your home isn't using it (e.g., everyone is at office/school), this power goes out to the Grid. The meter records this as "Export".
- Consumption (Night): At night, you draw power from the Grid. The meter records this as "Import".
- Billing: At the end of the month, you pay:
Import Units - Export Units.
Advantages
- Lowest Cost: No recurring battery replacement costs.
- Highest Efficiency: Direct conversion from DC to AC without chemical storage losses.
- Passive Income: If you export more than you import in a year, some states (like Tamil Nadu) actually pay you cash for the surplus credits.
Disadvantages
- No Backup: This is critical to understand. If the grid fails, your solar inverter will also turn off. You cannot use solar power during a blackout unless you have a separate DG set or hybrid inverter.
Installation Process
The process usually involves: Site Survey -> System Design -> Installation -> Applying for Net Meter -> DISCOM Inspection -> Meter Commissioning. The entire cycle takes about 20-30 days.