Readily available and renewable – This is how you can conveniently define the energy extracted through solar panels. With the growing reliance on clean sources of power generators, the demand for solar power systems is growing by the day.
Solar panels are the most efficient choice if you are exploring energy-saving options for everyday use. With the combined engineering of solar cells, inverter, electrical panel, and a power grid, you can keep your houses illuminated even during critical power outages.
That being said, you can further slim the initial investment costs by not equipping the structure with big battery banks or inverters. Interesting, isn’t it?
Here’s all you need to know to convert your energy-saving apparatus into an even more cost-friendly one!
Contents
How Does a Solar Power System Work?
In order to harness solar energy, the panel apparatus parts work in conjunction with each other to convert the absorbed rays into usable current.
The photovoltaic cells are grouped together during solar panel installation to absorb the maximum insolation falling on them. Through the interplay of negatively and positively charged ions, the panel structure generates a direct current (DC). It is at this point that the role of the solar inverter comes into the picture.
Since house gadgets work on alternating current (AC), the generated power through the solar-powered structure must be converted from DC into AC through an inverter. The main reason for conversion is the stability of the voltage for a steady power source.
After conversion, the battery banks attached to the inverter collect the energy. These batteries act as an energy backup system for utilization during power outages or when panels are gaining momentum to produce electricity.
The good news is – you can utilize the solar panel systems as your reliable generator of electricity without a solar battery in the entire apparatus.
What are the Different Types of Solar Systems Without Batteries You Can Use?
With revolutionary advancement and optimization of the available resources, solar panel systems are the cost-friendly power generator for areas with adequate insolation.
Interestingly, the solar panels’ costs associated with these systems have decreased in the last decade by 90%. Installation of solar panels without a battery is immensely beneficial for further reducing the overall costs of solar system setup and maintenance.
You can receive electricity through power generator cells and solar inverters only through:
- Directly operating or charging devices that run on direct current, such as HVAC systems through panel setup without battery systems
- Utilization of solar energy through the installation of a solar inverter to convert DC into AC
- Extracting energy through grid-tied systems while connecting solar panels without a battery at home
Direct Operation Through Incoming Solar Energy
There are two types of solar panels without batteries that you can use to supply electricity.
One way to avail energy through solar panel systems is by picking electronic appliances that run on direct current only. In this manner, you do not require to transform the produced electricity into the typically usable form, i.e., alternating current.
Since the power is sourced directly from the panels, you might face trouble with electricity during overcast weather and power outages. Additionally, since there’s no battery storage, the initial hours of electricity production hours can turn out to be blackout hours at home.
The other way to receive electricity through cleaner means is by installing a solar inverter in the panel set up to convert DC into AC. Establishing an off-grid solar system enables homeowners to operate all appliances without looking for a DC-compatible device. In addition, it also enables uniform voltage spread across all the devices to regulate power fluctuations.
Employment of Grid-Tied or Hybrid Systems
The grid-tied or hybrid solar system allows the storage of excess energy produced on a local utility grid. These local systems are a collection of battery banks and the internet of a grid that offers electricity when production is at a halt.
It is helpful in the event of a power failure and for storing extra energy produced. Not only is it beneficial for running cleaner and greener electricity, but it also provides a way to earn credits on the basis of net energy metering (NEM).
NEM allows solar panel users to collect excess energy created during high insolation months to be utilized later. It works as a giant battery backup that rewards the surplus suppliers with credits to use against an equal amount of energy provided to the grid.
When Should You Use a Solar Panel System Without a Battery?
While panels with batteries are a full package deal to begin your clean energy journey with, not all settings require a backup.
A battery backup system installation at home isn’t required when:
- You live in an urban area with a reliable power grid
- You reside in an extreme natural disaster safe region
- The grid-tied hybrid system is easily accessible from your residential location
- You are not bothered by random power outages
- You find acquiring energy from a general pool comprising fossil fuel-based sources convenient
In a Nutshell
The main reason for the usage of batteries in solar power systems is the requirement for electricity storage.
Excess power accumulation helps with the availability of electricity during emergencies such as natural disasters, cloudy weather, etc. However, installing a solar battery at home isn’t the only way to make the best use of generated energy through solar power.
Usually, homeowners can do away with the battery setup if they have appliances that run on direct current. But it is only helpful during the daytime as there’s no storage of the extracted energy for direct supply.
In addition, a no-battery solar panel setup is conveniently possible by outsourcing the storage requirement to a grid-based hybrid solar system. Doing this will not only save you additional installation costs but also enhance your carbon footprint score by routing surplus to the utility grid.