Solar Power Plant: Types, Technologies & All About Solar Power System
A solar power plant is an arrangement of various solar components including solar panel to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, a solar inverter to convert the electricity from DC to AC while also monitoring the system, solar batteries and other solar accessories to set up a working system.
The main concern of a solar power plant is to provide complete energy independence while also lowering your electricity costs. It includes both small and large capacity solar systems ranging from 1kW to megawatts.
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A solar power plant is also known as a solar energy system, solar system, solar power system and solar plant. There are various techonologies used in solar power plants, but solar photovoltaic technology is the best option for collecting maximum sunlight and converting it to electricity.
There are three types of power systems available in various power ratings, so it’s worth spending 10 minutes reading this information and selecting the best that meets all your requirements.
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Sale!
UTL 3kW Hybrid Solar System : Complete Plant
Original price was: ₹ 352,991.00.₹ 264,119.00Current price is: ₹ 264,119.00. (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
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UTL 3kW Off Grid Solar System : Combo
Original price was: ₹ 323,024.00.₹ 241,879.00Current price is: ₹ 241,879.00. (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
UTL 3kW On grid Solar System Complete Combo
₹ 163,363.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
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UTL 2kW Hybrid Solar System : Complete System
Original price was: ₹ 265,396.00.₹ 204,125.00Current price is: ₹ 204,125.00. (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
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UTL 2kW Off Grid Solar System : Complete
Original price was: ₹ 249,601.00.₹ 191,028.00Current price is: ₹ 191,028.00. (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
UTL 2kW On Grid Solar System : Complete
₹ 126,794.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
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1kW UTL Hybrid Solar System Complete System Price
Original price was: ₹ 152,066.00.₹ 115,279.00Current price is: ₹ 115,279.00. (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
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UTL 1kW Off-Grid Solar System Complete System Price
Original price was: ₹ 104,882.00.₹ 83,064.00Current price is: ₹ 83,064.00. (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
200 watt Luminous Complete Solar System Price(500VA)
₹ 75,269.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
10kW On Grid Solar System (Delta + Vikram)
₹ 975,000.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
500 watt Luminous Solar System (1100VA) Price in
₹ 104,515.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
3kW Luminous Solar System for Homes and Shops
₹ 284,699.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
2kW Luminous Solar System (Mppt PCU) Price in
₹ 415,578.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
3kW Luminous solar system for Home and Shop
₹ 446,596.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes) -
2kW Luminous solar system (3.5kVA)(120AH)
₹ 359,063.00 (Inclusive of All Taxes)
#1. Types of Solar Power Plant
Solar power plants are mainly available in three different types. The first one is the on grid solar power plant, second is off grid solar power plant and the third is hybrid solar power plant.
On-Grid Solar System – Saving + Grid Export
Off-Grid Solar System – Saving + Backup
Hybrid Solar System – On-grid + Off-grid
Being attracted by the advantages of going solar, many people are switching towards making solar energy their main source of energy. But before doing that, one should always be careful while selecting the type of solar power plant. Since it is the major thing that decides whether the power plant will prove to be beneficial for you or not.
If you are ready to switch to a solar power plant but you are concerned about which type is best for you, we are here to provide you with complete details about all the types of solar power plant.
Difference Between On-Grid, Off-Grid & Hybrid Solar Power Plant
All type of solar power system is different from each other on the basis of their specifications and features while all solar power system works on same principle. Also, some of the components are different in each type of solar power system.
Starting with the basics, the main point of difference between on-grid, off-grid and hybrid solar power plant lies in their relationship with the utility grid.
An on-grid solar system works with the utility grid while off-grid does not bother about the same. Moreover, a hybrid system depends partly on it. We’ll discuss more about these types in upcoming sections.
Understand Types of Solar Systems By Video
Related YouTube Video:
Link for: On-Grid Solar System
Link for: Off-Grid Solar System
Link for: Hybrid Solar System
Other Types of Solar Power Plant
All of the above-mentioned types of solar power plants can further be divided into two sub-categories. These two categories are:
- Solar Power Plant For Home (On-Grid/Off-Grid/Hybrid)
- Commercial Solar Power Plant (Mainly in On-Grid & Hybrid)
Read further to know more about these types of solar power plants and make your choice more precise.
#2. Off-Grid Solar Power System
In India, there are still several remote areas where there is no electricity at all. Plenty of homes are still living with the crisis of power outages. Besides, there are areas where the electricity supply is not consistent or sufficient. For people residing in such areas, an off grid solar power system is a boon as this system requires no utility grid to work on. And still, it can ensure constant and adequate electricity almost every single day of the year.
Significance of Off-Grid Solar Power System
Off grid solar power plant is a system with battery bank. It can store the energy generated by the system to be used for future needs. Solar battery will ensure a non-stop power supply at times when there is no sunlight.
This solar system works by converting sunlight into electricity to run your connected load. The excess electricity will be stored in solar batteries automatically. That means, there will be no power shortage in the absence of sunlight (at night or in a cloudy atmosphere).
How Does An Off-Grid Solar System Works?
- This type of power plant store unconsumed power in batteries, provided by the solar system.
- The addition of solar inverter allows this system to convert DC electrical current coming from the batteries into AC (alternating current).
- AC is the standard form of electricity for anything that “plugs in” to utility power and is the appropriate current for common household appliances.
- The stored energy serves as electricity when required.
Conclusion
“If you don’t have electricity connection or a reliable grid and you want to store electricity, then an off grid solar power plant is system recommend for you.”
#3. On-Grid Solar Power System
As the name suggests, an on-grid solar power plant operates with the utility grid. On grid systems are solar PV system that only generate power when the utility power grid is available. They must connect to the grid to perform its function. This type of solar power plant is ideal for those who want to reduce their electricity bill while investing less.
Significance of On-Grid Solar Power System
With an on-grid solar power system comes the option of net metering. The excess power generated is supplied to the grid which provides credit in the electricity bill. Hence you can reduce your electricity bill while earning more. Since with this system, the consumer can access power from two different sources, 24*7 power supply is guaranteed.
Besides, it is efficient enough to run any home appliance without any difficulty. And finally, it is easy to install, requires less maintenance and costs less than an off-grid solar system. In general, buying an on-grid solar system is a great investment.
How Does An On-Grid Solar System Works?
- The power generated in the daytime can be used instantly or sent to the main grid. This type of solar system will automatically send excess power to the grid when solar panels are overproducing.
- During a power outage, the exported power is drawn back from the electricity grid.
- Any excess power fed to the grid earns you money. You will get credited later for this through Net Metering system by Indian govt.
Conclusion
“If you have a reliable grid but your electricity bills are high, then on grid solar power plant is recommend for you.”
#4. Hybrid Solar Power System
Hybrid solar system is a combination of both above said solar system. It uses a collection of solar batteries that can interact with the main power grid. As a result, it reduces your electricity bill significantly and returns more than it costs over a while. We can say that, On Grid Solar System + Off Grid Solar System = Hybrid solar system.
Significance of Hybrid Solar Power System
A hybrid solar power plant is the most expandable system that is future-ready since it uses both a battery and the grid.
With a hybrid setup, you can maximise power consumption while using less electricity from the grid. Hence, this system ensures a constant power supply while reducing your electricity bill.
How Does A Hybrid Solar System Works?
- Solar panels generate electricity in daytime and run your household load. Simultaneously, the extra electricity will be stored in the solar battery.
- It is equipped with a hybrid solar inverter that transmits DC to AC from batteries.
- When required, the inverter tracks AC between your home and the grid.
- Once solar batteries are fully charged the electricity then automatically exported to the utility grid.
Conclusion
“Hybrid solar system provides you both the feature of on grid solar system as well as on grid solar system. If you want to store power along with export facility, hybrid system is best for you.”
#5. Commercial Solar Power Plant
Commercial solar power plants are high capacity solar PV systems, generally installed for reduce electricity cost or for marketable purposes. Mostly, commercial solar systems are on grid systems that generate power when the utility power grid is available. They can send excess power into the grid when the solar panel is producing extra power than your consumption through net metering. You will be credited for this power in the future.
Since setting up a commercial solar power plant is a one time huge investment, the installment should be planned carefully. The necessary factors should be examined with alertness. Mentioned below is the list of those factors.
- The load required to run the machinery to determine the number of solar panels needed.
- The type of power required- AC, DC, single face or three faces.
- Battery to store the energy generated- lead-acid batteries are widely popular.
- Inverter to convert AC power to DC
- Network to ensure proper flow of power
- Type of solar power plant
Read in Detail: Commercial Solar System – 20kW to 100kW Solar Power Plant Price
#6. Ground Mounted Power Plant
Mostly, these type of projects are established to sell electricity to govt. or any company. According to a latest survey, concentrated solar power can provide enough electricity when the demand is high. These solar power plants are huge in capacity.
You might have seen a large area of land covered by solar panels. These are ground-mounted power plants huge in capacity. The purpose of these power plants are to power businesses, industries and sustainable development. Besides these projects are established to sell electricity to govt or any company.
The factors that determine if this type of solar power plant proves to be beneficial to you or not, are:
- The size of the project
- The tilt of the modules
- The technical specifications of cable lengths are according to the site.
- Locations of solar power plant
#7. Solar Power Plant Price
Installing solar power plants requires heavy investment. But this cannot be compromised by the fact that it is going to be a one-time investment that would pay you back in future. You will find that the investment you made was worth it. The price of a solar system depends upon several factors like its capacity, efficiency, brand, type and installation site.
To help you get an idea about the price of the types of solar power plant, we have mentioned their price list below.
Off-Grid Solar Power Plant Price List
Buy an off-grid system from the list below if you reside in a remote area and you need to store electricity to ensure a constant power supply.
| Solar Power Plant Model (Off-Grid) | Selling Price | Price Per Watt |
| 1kW Solar Power System | Rs. 83,199 | Rs. 83.19 |
| 2kW Solar Power System | Rs. 1,61,399 | Rs. 80.70 |
| 3kW Solar Power System | Rs. 2,07,499 | Rs. 69.17 |
| 5kW Solar Power System | Rs. 3,52,199 | Rs. 70.44 |
| 6kW Solar Power System | Rs. 4,45,256 | Rs. 74.21 |
| 7.5kW Solar Power System | Rs. 5,17,999 | Rs. 69.07 |
| 10kW Solar Power System | Rs. 6,41,099 | Rs. 64.11 |
On-Grid Solar Power Plant Price List
Buy an on-grid system from the list below if you want an efficient system to reduce their electricity while investing less in the solar power plant.
| Solar Power Plant Model (On-Grid) | Selling Price | Price Per Watt |
| 1kW Solar Power System | Rs. 78,299 | Rs. 78.29 |
| 2kW Solar Power System | Rs. 1,14,199 | Rs. 57.09 |
| 3kW Solar Power System | Rs. 1,43,899 | Rs. 47.97 |
| 5kW Solar Power System | Rs. 2,32,299 | Rs. 46.46 |
| 6kW Solar Power System | Rs. 2,87,999 | Rs. 47.99 |
| 8kW Solar Power System | Rs. 3,79,699 | Rs. 47.46 |
| 10kW Solar Power System | Rs. 4,37,499 | Rs. 43.75 |
Read more about subsidy on solar panel here: https://kenbrooksolar.com/solar-benefits-mnre-govt-subsidy
Hybrid Solar Power Plant Price List
Select a hybrid system from the list below if you want functions of both an on-grid and off-grid solar system.
| Solar Power Plant Model (Hybrid) | Selling Price | Price Per Watt |
| 1kW Solar Power System | Rs. 1,06,999 | Rs. 106.99 |
| 2kW Solar Power System | Rs. 1,80,099 | Rs. 90.05 |
| 3kW Solar Power System | Rs. 2,30,999 | Rs. 76.99 |
| 5kW Solar Power System | Rs. 3,83,999 | Rs. 76.79 |
| 10kW Solar Power System | Rs. 7,05,299 | Rs. 70.53 |
| 15kW Solar Power System | Rs. 10,20,000 | Rs. 68.00 |
| 20kW Solar Power System | Rs. 13,00,000 | Rs. 65.00 |
Read more about subsidy on solar panel here: https://kenbrooksolar.com/solar-benefits-mnre-govt-subsidy
#8. Technologies in Solar Power Plant
There are three major technologies that are successful in solar power plants. All these three types of solar power plants are discussed in detail here:
- Concentrated Solar Power Plant
- Thermal Solar Power Plant
- Photo-voltaic Solar Power Plant
Concentrated Solar Power Plants
These solar power plants use lenses, mirrors and tracking systems to concentrate the sun’s energy. This way, the energy gets converted to room-temperature heat. This heat is used to run conventional steam turbines or power generating engines.
This is a superior setup since it uses TES technology to store power. The biggest advantage of concentrated solar power plants is that it is reliable and its cost can be predicted.
Thermal Solar Power Plants
This is basically a heat dependent solar technology that was used in solar power plants. In this technology, the sun rays are focused to a point by using solar collectors so that appropriate high temperature can be obtain to generate electricity.
These kinds of solar panels have two main components namely reflectors to collect the sunlight and receivers to focus it. The heat generated by focusing the light rays produces steam in the fluid. This steam rotates the turbine to power the generator producing electricity. Its tracking system tracks the receiver to catch the sunlight throughout the day when the sun changes its position.
Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant
It is the most common and popular technology that is used in solar power plants. In this technology, solar panel converts sunlight into electric current by using photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are the most important and visible element of a photovoltaic solar power plant. It runs with four major components which are:- Solar Panel
- Solar Inverter
- Solar Battery and,
- Solar Accessories
Out of above mentioned technologies, solar photovoltaic is the most popular one. This technology is also useful even for small power plants.
#10. Pros-Cons of Solar Power Plant
Solar power plant offers many benefits to home and property owner, most notably a reduction in electricity cost and usage. However, there are some other benefits of the solar power system that are mentioned below.
- Pros - Benefits
- Save up to 100% electricity bills.
- One time Investment and free power for life.
- 30% to 90% subsidy on solar panel.
- Return on Investment in just 3-5 years.
- Eco friendly technique of power production.
- Increase the value of property and your goodwill also.
- Cost effective method of generating electricity.
- Easy to install and low maintainence.
- Provides backup in off grid and hybrid solar power system.
- Benefits of solar net metering is also available.
- Cons - Limitations
- Needs one time heavy investment.
- Required only shadow free area for installation.
- Regular maintenance is must for regular generation.
Frequently Asked Question
Solar systems are available in 3 types:
It can’t be predicted. It depends upon the capacity of solar system and your supply to grid. If you install high capacity solar system and supply more to grid, than your electricity bill will be reduce more otherwise vice-versa.
No, in off grid solar system there are no need of purchasing batteries separately. You will get the solar battery along with solar system.
Yes off course, you can use your existing or non-solar battery in off grid solar system. But if you are using your existing battery in off grid solar system then a solar charge controller is needed in it. You must need to install a charge controller along with your existing batteries.
Know more about: Solar Charge Controller
Grid tie system is also known as on grid solar system. This system allows you to export extra power into the utility grid through net metering which further helps you to reduce your electricity bill.
Net metering is a system through which you can export excess power into the utility grid. When you export unconsumed power into the grid then your meter starts to run inversely.
Solar systems are available in:
Yes, you can directly run your connected load on on grid solar system. In on grid solar system, there is solar inverter which controls the voltage and fix it according to the required voltage.
No, you do not have to hire any company separately for installing a solar system. The selling company will do the same for you. You just need to pay them installation charges for their services.
Yes, a commercial solar system can be used for home. A commercial system will produce more power and need more space to install. If you have that much space at your home and you can handle that much production than you can install a commercial solar system at your home.
In solar rooftop system, the solar panels are install on roof of a house. Through these panels the electricity will be produce which will power your home.
Also read about: Solar System For Home
In rooftop solar system, the solar panels are install on the roof of any building. It may either be your house or you commercial premises. And in ground mounted solar system, the solar panel are installed on ground where the sunlight can be reach without any barrier.
Yes you can add batteries in your commercial solar system but genuinely it does not make any sense. Because in commercial places the usage of power is very high and solar batteries are not able to store that much power in them.
It totally depends upon that where you want to install a solar system. You can install it either on your rooftop or at any shadow free space. But if you installed it on ground than it should not be so far from your home.
The space required to install a solar system depends upon its capacity and size. Normally for installing a 1 KW solar system 6 square meter shadow free area is required.
The maintenance cost of a solar system is not that much. You just need to buy a solar panel cleaning kit to clean the solar panels. The starting cost of solar panel cleaning kit is only Rs.20,000 (for 6 meter length).
Read more about: Solar Panel Cleaning Kit
A 1 KW solar system can produce up to 4 units per day or 120 units per month as an average throughout the year.
Yes, there is up to 40% subsidy on solar panel by the government. But the subsidy rate may be increase or decrease according to your state solar policy.
For buying on grid solar system, off grid solar system, hybrid solar system or commercial solar system you can contact us or either you can buy it from our online shop.
