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Solar Energy Series – Story 5: Electricity demand in India has risen to such an extent that ensuring a 24-hour supply to both villages and cities has become difficult. Consequently, people frequently face power outages. However, the government is actively promoting the adoption of alternative energy sources and encouraging people to install solar panels on their rooftops, offering substantial subsidies for this purpose.

Yet, whenever the installation of solar panels is suggested, people often ask: What are the benefits? Is it cheaper to generate electricity using solar panels? Is the electricity produced of better quality? Do household appliances like refrigerators, coolers, fans, and TVs last longer when powered by solar energy?

Bhavna Tyagi explains, "No, there is no difference in quality between electricity generated from solar power and that supplied by DISCOMs (electricity distribution companies). In a rooftop solar system, the inverter converts the solar DC output into AC electricity by matching the grid's voltage and frequency standards, making it compatible with all AC-powered appliances."

Can electricity generated from solar energy be stored?
Bhavna Tyagi says, "Yes, electricity generated from solar energy can be stored. The most common method is using a battery system. These batteries store the excess electricity generated during the day and supply it when there is no sunlight—such as at night or during cloudy weather.

It works much like the inverter setup used to store grid electricity; similarly, you can utilize solar energy through a battery and inverter system."

Are there any issues involved?
While the quality of electricity from both solar and grid sources can be identical, power supply from DISCOMs is often plagued by issues such as frequent outages, voltage fluctuations, billing irregularities, and power surges. In contrast, the electricity generated by solar panels does not exhibit these issues. However, this does not mean that installing solar panels is entirely free of problems; certain issues can indeed arise.

If your inverter or battery is of high quality, you receive superior and cleaner electricity. In many instances, the quality of solar-generated electricity is better than that from the grid, particularly regarding voltage stability and harmonics.

However, substandard or outdated inverters can increase harmonics, potentially damaging household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and computers. Installing a solar system with a capacity far exceeding household needs can also lead to issues like voltage rise in the grid, reverse power flow, and system imbalances.

For residential use, a rooftop solar system equipped with a quality inverter often delivers power quality equal to or better than the grid, especially during the day; however, for a completely grid-free (off-grid) setup, high-quality batteries and inverters are essential. Consider the following measures:
Install only BIS/IS-certified inverters from reputable brands.

Have the system checked with a power quality meter after installation.
On-grid systems with net metering are the most common and safest options.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.