Solar Energy vs Traditional Power Grids: A Comparative Analysis for Residential Homes

In a time of growing environmental problems and rising demand for energy. A solution to this problem is an important question. In this topic of discussion, there is an important debate about choosing between a solar energy grid and a traditional power grid. For the environment, people nowadays prefer to install solar panel over conventional power. Cause people install solar panel for homes and traditional ones for industry. In this article, we are going to learn about these grids, their advantages, disadvantages, and will confirm which is better.

What are Solar Energy Grids?

A solar energy grid means that the solar system is tied to the electrical grid. In other words, it requires the grid to be running to produce energy for the solar system unless and until special equipment is installed. They are also known as the on-grid or grid-tied solar systems. This type of system integrates seamlessly with the local utility grid. This allows homeowners or offices to use solar energy grids during the day and draw electricity from the grid when solar panels do not generate enough energy. For example, at night, cloudy or rainy days.

This type of solar energy grid is quite helpful as there is no need for an expensive battery to generate electricity.

What are Traditional Power Grids?

A traditional power grid is connected to the network of substation, transmission lines, distribution lines, and power plants. It is designed to generate, transmit, and distribute the electricity to customers all around the world. They have been used for generating electricity for over a century. The features of this power grid include:

• Transmit the high-voltage electricity from the powerhouse to the nearby populated areas.
• Power is generated at huge power plants that are located away from the rural or urban areas.
• This type of power grid is unidirectional or a one-way transmission.
• It relies on non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels.

Advantages of Solar Energy Grids

Installation of solar energy brings a lot of advantages on the table:

1. Solar panels for homes are less expensive as there are no extra requirements. Like batteries for extra energy.
2. If you are someone who does not have a proper space and instalment to install solar systems to cover 100% energy usage. Then you can have the electricity whenever it is required.
3. You can collect the energy and use it from the grid during the night, on cloudy days, or on rainy days.
4. It can provide you with extra income. As, in some areas Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) allow owners of the grid tied system to earn extra income by selling their solar energy grids.
5. Cost of solar power for homes is less in comparison to traditional power grids.

Advantages of Traditional Power Grids

Traditional power grids have been functional successfully for over a century because of some key benefits.

• Provides a stable and reliable source of energy to millions of people around the world.
• The large centralised power plants benefit the country’s economy.
• This type of power grid mainly provides established infrastructure.
• The power plants provide flexibility in fuel use. It can mostly switch between different fuels like coal, natural gas, or oil. It depends on the current cost and availability of the fuel.
• The flexibility in fuel usage can enhance the economy of that particular place.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy Grids

Everything in this world has both advantages and disadvantages.

1. If the grid goes, then you do not have any other option. Your system will shut down and will leave you without power or energy. In this case, you are completely dependent on solar grids. So, taking extra care of the solar energy grid is important.
2. This kind of grid is made up of semiconductors. So, the initial cost of installing solar panel is quite expensive.
3. They are difficult to relocate.
4. They can provide energy for small homes but not for the bigger ones.

Disadvantages of Traditional Power Grids

Every power grid possesses both advantages and disadvantages.

• Traditional power grids require non-renewable resources to create electricity. As we all know, renewable resources are limited in this world.
• The centralized power plants produce greenhouse gases. These gases cause air pollution and harm the environment.
• Building power plants is an expensive process. It also demands a lot of maintenance from time to time.

Conclusion

This was all about install solar panel for homes and traditional power grids. Solar energy is great for the environment but provides electricity for limited space. On the other hand, conventional power grids are a little harmful to the environment but can provide electricity to millions of people. It totally depends on the person who wants to adopt solar energy or a traditional power grid.