
Having a solar system in your home is an ideal way to save money on your power bills. However, there are many questions that you need to answer before you decide to make the switch. These questions include how much you can afford to spend, how much electricity your home uses, whether it is worth it, and more.
Off-grid vs grid-connected
Whether you are considering installing an off-grid solar system or a grid-tied system, there are a few things you should know about the differences between the two. In the end, which type of system will suit you best depends on your home or business.
If you live in a remote area, an off-grid solar system may be your best choice. These systems can be quite expensive, however. This is because they require large battery storage.
An off-grid system is best suited for rural and industrial properties that do not have a central utility grid. It can be more expensive than an on-grid system, but it can also provide an uninterrupted power supply in the event of a utility power failure. These systems can also be very beneficial for businesses, which can earn income from any excess power generated.
Payback period
Using a solar system in Pakistan could be a great way to save money. It will allow you to stop worrying about the rising prices of electricity. Besides that, it will allow you to sell any excess energy to a power company. The savings you can make on your electric bill will add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the next twenty to thirty years.
One of the best things about solar energy is that it can be used during the day or night. It is more efficient than conventional grid electricity. It is also a great backup power for homes during grid outages.
When planning to install a solar power system in Pakistan, you need to consider the following. The nitty-gritty details are important to get the most out of your investment.
Cost of maintenance
Having a solar power system in Pakistan can save you money. However, it does come at a cost. You might be surprised at how much it costs to maintain your system. The cost can be anywhere from $300 to $700 for a 10 panel 2 kW system. Those with larger arrays might find that their cost jumps considerably.
A typical cleaning and inspection will cost you around $400. This is for a 10-panel 2 kW system on a one-story home. In order to keep a solar panel clean from dust and debris, you'll need to wash it several times a week. You'll also need a high-pressure hose nozzle with cleaning solution attachment, which you can find at a local home maintenance store.
The cost of cleaning your system will vary depending on where you live. You'll also have to consider whether you're installing storage units. You might need to add extra labor to do the cleaning.
Hybrid vs off-grid
Whether you are considering going solar for the first time or looking to upgrade your existing system, you will need to make the decision between a hybrid vs off-grid solar system. While the two may look similar, they have a number of distinct features.
For instance, hybrid systems have the ability to store excess power produced during the day for use at night. They can also be used to export excess power to the grid for bill credits.
In contrast, off-grid systems operate independently, without any utility connection. They need a battery bank to store the energy produced during the day. They may also have a generator to supply power when the sun isn't shining.
While off-grid systems are more expensive than hybrid systems, they are also more reliable. They are unaffected by power outages on the utility grid. They also eliminate the need for peak hours units.
National solar policy
Having a comprehensive National Solar Policy in Pakistan is the top priority of the government. This policy will provide cheap and environmentally friendly electricity. It will also help the country solve problems related to distribution losses and power theft. It will also reduce the import burden on fuel and reduce electricity bills.
The government has already commissioned six solar power projects with a cumulative capacity of 430 MW. It has plans to increase its capacity to around 6 GW in two years. It is also working on ways to ease the hurdles to encourage solar panel manufacturing in Pakistan.
It is important to implement these policies with consistency and commitment. The government must also provide maximum technical assistance to overcome technical issues. The policy must include a long-term plan and ensure unanimity of views among the provinces.