Off-grid solar plants have several advantages, such as a backup power source over home inverters or Diesel Generators. We are summarizing the main advantages below:
- Huge Savings over Diesel Generator: The cost of running a Diesel Generator is Rs. 30 to Rs. 35/Unit, whereas the cost of using a solar Plant is Rs. 2 to Rs. 2.5.
- Huge Savings over Home Inverter: The cost of getting power from a Home Inverter is higher by 50% to 55% over the grid power due to the wastage and AC/DC conversion of energy. Thus if you are purchasing the grid power at Rs. 6.5/Unit, then the cost of getting the power from the inverter will be Rs. 9.75/Unit. Compare this with the grid where power is Rs. 2 to Rs. 2.5.
- Energy Independence: Off-grid solar plants provide energy independence by allowing individuals or communities to generate their own electricity without relying on the grid.Â
- Cost-Effective: Since Solar energy is free hence the running cost of fuel is absolutely free. Once the initial setup cost is paid, the energy generated by the solar panels is essentially free.
- Reliability: Off-grid solar plants can provide reliable electricity even during power outages or grid failures. This is because they store energy in batteries which can be used when there is no sunlight.
- Environmental Benefits: Off-grid solar plants are environmentally friendly as they generate clean energy without producing greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants.
- Scalability: Off-grid solar plants can be scaled up or down depending on the energy demand. This makes them a flexible and versatile option for energy generation.
Silent Operation: Off-grid solar plants operate silently, which means they do not produce any noise pollution.Â
To conclude, even if you have a Generator or an inverter it makes sense to have a solar plant. However, it should be kept in mind that the solar plant is dependent on sunshine hours. Due to this it will generate less energy during rainy season and peak winter times.
The solar generator not only conserves power, but also reduces pollution. The diesel generator would produce continuous noise, whereas the solar generator doesn’t.
When using a diesel generator, the device would go on and on, not considering the amount of power consumed. This can be avoided on a solar powered generator. And all you can do at that time is sit and look at all the energy being wasted.
The only drawback with the solar powered generator would be the amount of sunlight the locality receives. Though the system would run on charged batteries, once the sunny season sets away, there are chances of the batteries going dead.
In warm/hot countries , solar generators are more reliable. But in countries where there is less sunshine and more rains and winds, solar energy doesn’t come in handy. However, in Germany, solar energy is used at a much higher level than in North America. Hence, reliability is not an issue when it comes to solar powered gensets.
Diesel generators, on the other hand, do not have this issue. But if there is a storm or any such disaster, the generators become useless.
Thus, when looking at the investment point of view, solar generators win against the diesel generators.
Thanks a lot, sir for reconfirming our views. Solar brings many advantages to the school: Savings on Energy Costs, Controlling pollution, providing practical knowledge of renewable energy to inquisitive minds, creating green energy awareness etc. and certainly should be promoted in the schools.