Are you planning to go solar but wondering how an on-grid solar rooftop system actually works? Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can understand how solar energy powers your home and saves you money.
1. Solar Panels Capture Sunlight
The process begins with solar panels mounted on your rooftop. These panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, usually silicon-based, which absorb sunlight and convert it into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
2. Inverter Converts DC to AC Power
Since your home appliances run on Alternating Current (AC), the DC electricity generated by the solar panels is sent to an inverter. The inverter transforms the DC into usable AC power for your home or business.
Pro Tip: Choose a high-quality inverter that matches your panel capacity to maximize efficiency.
3. Powering Your Home or Business
The converted AC electricity is now ready to power your lights, fans, appliances, and more. This reduces your reliance on the utility grid and helps lower your electricity bill.
4. Excess Power Goes Back to the Grid
If your solar system generates more power than you consume, the extra electricity is exported to the main power grid. A net meter tracks the amount of energy sent to the grid and consumed from it.
5. Draw Power from the Grid When Needed
At night or during cloudy days when solar production is low, your system seamlessly draws power from the grid using net metering. You’re only billed for the net energy used—that is, energy drawn minus energy sent.
Key Components of an On-Grid Solar System
🔸 Solar Panels
Made up of PV cells, solar panels capture sunlight and generate DC electricity.
🔸 Inverter
The brain of the system. Converts DC to AC and ensures output matches India’s grid standard (50Hz, 230V).
🔸 DCDB (Direct Current Distribution Box)
Controls the DC electricity flow from solar panels and includes:
Circuit breakers
Surge protection devices
🔸 ACDB (Alternating Current Distribution Box)
Protects against overvoltage and faults in the AC line. Includes:
SPD (Surge Protection Device)
MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)
🔸 Net Meter (Bidirectional Meter)
Records:
Solar energy exported to the grid
Grid energy imported for use
Billing is based on net consumption (export – import).
Grounding/Earthing System
Safety is crucial in any solar setup. Earthing protects both the equipment and the user.
Types of Earthing in On-Grid Systems:
AC Earthing: Inverter output, ACDB, and load equipment
DC Earthing: Solar panels, DCDB, and inverter input
LA Earthing: Lightning arrestor connected directly to the earth to divert lightning surges safely
Solar Mounting Structure
The structure consists of:
Legs, Rafters, and Perlins
Installed at an optimal angle based on your region’s latitude
Typically made from hot-dip galvanized iron for durability
Conclusion
Installing an on-grid solar rooftop system is a smart step toward reducing your electricity bills and supporting clean energy. It’s easy to maintain, cost-effective, and supported by government subsidies.