On Grid Solar System For Home
Overview of On-Grid Solar Systems
An On-grid solar system, also known as a grid-tied solar system, is directly connected to the electricity grid. It’s the most popular solar solution for Indian households with a stable grid connection, offering a reliable way to cut down electricity bills while contributing to a greener future.
At Solar Save, we specialize in designing and installing high-performance on-grid rooftop solar systems for both independent homes and housing societies across India.
Key Components of an On-Grid Solar Power System:
Solar Panels
Solar Inverter
Mounting Structures
Bi-directional Meter
Solar Accessories
These components work together to harness solar energy efficiently and feed any excess electricity back into the grid, allowing you to earn credits on your electricity bill.
System Capacities for Homes
On-grid systems come in various capacities based on household energy needs—commonly:
2 kW, 3 kW, 5 kW, 10 kW, and more.
For example, an average Indian home with a monthly electricity bill of ₹1500 to ₹3000 typically requires a 2 kW to 3 kW system.
Government Subsidies for Residential Solar
Thanks to the Indian government’s subsidy program, homeowners can make solar installations even more affordable:
1–2 kW Systems (for 0–150 units/month): ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 subsidy
2–3 kW Systems (for 150–300 units/month): ₹60,000 to ₹78,000 subsidy
Above 3 kW Systems (for >300 units/month): ₹78,000 subsidy
At Solar Save, we not only handle system design and installation but also assist you in claiming eligible subsidies and ensuring a seamless solar transition.
How an On-Grid Solar System Works for Your Home
At Solar Save, we believe in empowering homes with smart solar solutions. An on-grid solar system works seamlessly with the electricity grid to power your home efficiently—day and night.
Here’s how an on-grid solar system operates:
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Solar panels installed on your rooftop absorb sunlight and convert it into Direct Current (DC).
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The DC electricity flows into a solar inverter, which converts it into Alternating Current (AC)—the form of electricity used by all household appliances.
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This AC power is sent to a bi-directional meter.
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The bi-directional meter supplies electricity to power your home during the day.
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If your solar panels generate more electricity than your home consumes, the excess power is exported to the grid.
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When your solar system isn’t producing electricity—like at night—you draw electricity back from the grid through the same bi-directional meter.
This two-way flow of electricity is known as net metering. It ensures that no energy goes to waste—and you receive credits for the extra power you share with the grid.
At Solar Save, we ensure that every system we install is net-metering compliant, so you get maximum savings and uninterrupted power every day.
Components of a Residential On-Grid Solar System
#1. Solar Panels
Solar panels are the most visible and vital part of the solar system. Mounted on your rooftop—ideally facing south for maximum sun exposure—they absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
However, since homes run on alternating current (AC), this DC power needs to be converted. That’s where the inverter steps in.
#2. Solar Inverter
The solar inverter is the heart of the solar system. It converts DC into AC, making the electricity generated by your panels usable for running household appliances.
Without this essential device, the energy produced would remain unusable within a standard home setup.
#3. Solar Mounting Structures
Solar mounting structures act as the foundation for solar panels, securely fixing them to the rooftop. At Solar Save, we use high-quality, hot-dip galvanized steel structures designed to:
Withstand strong winds, storms, and cyclones
Support the weight of the panels for up to 25 years
Comply with wind load standards for your building’s height and location
Precision-built and rust-resistant, these structures ensure long-term durability and safety.
#4. Solar Accessories
Accessories are the unsung heroes of the solar setup, ensuring every part is safely and efficiently connected. They include:
DC & AC Cables: For electrical wiring between components
DC Combiner Box: Collects high-voltage DC from multiple panels and isolates it for safety before sending it to the inverter
AC Combiner Box: Combines AC output from the inverter(s) before feeding it to your home’s grid
MC4 Connectors: Used for all DC cable connections to ensure safe and secure joints
Earthing System: Grounding is done using high-quality strips and wires to prevent electrical hazards
Safety is paramount—especially with DC voltages exceeding 1000 volts, which is why high-grade combiner boxes are a must.
#5. Bi-Directional Meter
A bi-directional meter is what enables net metering—the process that tracks:
Electricity exported to the grid (when your system produces more than you consume)
Electricity imported from the grid (like during nighttime)
This smart meter replaces your conventional electricity meter and is crucial for activating the on-grid solar system. It ensures transparent billing and helps you earn credits for the surplus energy you produce.
Net Metering in an On-Grid Solar System
At Solar Save, we make solar work smarter for you—and that starts with net metering, the backbone of every on-grid solar system.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows your electricity provider (DISCOM) to track:
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The electricity your solar system generates
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The electricity your home consumes
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The excess power you send to the grid
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The power you import from the grid (like during night-time or cloudy days)
This process is managed through a bi-directional meter, which monitors both incoming and outgoing electricity.
How It Impacts Your Bill
At the end of each billing cycle, the net metering system provides a clear breakdown:
✅ If you exported more units than you used:
The extra units are credited against your bill, reducing or even eliminating your electricity charges.⚠️ If you consumed more than you exported:
The additional units taken from the grid are added to your bill, but your overall cost is still significantly reduced compared to traditional electricity usage.
Top 8 Benefits of Using an On-Grid Solar System
Why most Indian homeowners choose Solar Save’s on-grid solar solutions
There are three main types of solar systems: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. Among these, the on-grid solar system is the most popular choice for Indian homes—and for good reason.
Here are the top 8 benefits of installing an on-grid solar system with Solar Save:
1. Easy Monitoring of Electricity Generation
With an on-grid system, you can easily track how much electricity your solar panels generate—day by day, month by month.
2. Transparent and Understandable Bills
Thanks to net metering and bi-directional meters, your solar electricity usage is clearly reflected on your bill—making it simple to understand your savings.
3. Free Power After Break-Even
Once your system recovers its cost in 3 to 5 years, the electricity it generates is virtually free for the next 20–22 years—offering long-term financial freedom.
4. Major Reduction in Monthly Bills
Your dependency on grid electricity drops drastically, leading to significant savings on your monthly electricity bill.
5. No Need for Batteries
The grid acts as your virtual battery. Any excess electricity you produce is sent to the grid—and you can draw it back when needed.
6. Zero Battery Replacement Costs
Since on-grid systems don’t require batteries, you save on maintenance and replacement costs, which are common in off-grid and hybrid systems.
7. Most Affordable Solar Option
Among all solar types, on-grid systems are the most cost-effective—both in terms of initial investment and long-term returns.
8. Eligible for Government Subsidies
The Government of India offers subsidies only for on-grid solar systems installed in residential homes using DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) panels—making your switch to solar even more affordable.
At Solar Save, we make your transition to clean, renewable energy smooth, cost-effective, and future-ready. Let us help you take the smarter step toward energy independence.
Power Outages and On-Grid Solar Systems
Understanding a key safety feature of your Solar Save system
Every solar system comes with its own set of advantages and limitations, and the on-grid solar system is no exception.
While its connection to the electricity grid is a major advantage, it also introduces a limitation:
During a power cut, your on-grid solar system will automatically shut down.
Why Does This Happen?
This temporary shutdown during a power outage is a built-in safety feature, not a flaw. It’s due to a crucial function called Anti-Islanding Protection.
Here’s what it means:
When there’s a grid failure, your on-grid inverter immediately stops supplying power.
This is done to protect electrical maintenance personnel working on faulty grid lines from potential electric shock caused by solar systems feeding power into the grid.
Is This a Concern for Urban Homes?
Not at all. In urban areas with reliable power infrastructure, on-grid systems remain the best choice. They efficiently meet your home’s electricity needs with maximum savings and minimal maintenance.
At Solar Save, your safety and system reliability are our top priorities. That’s why every on-grid solar system we install is designed to meet international safety standards, including anti-islanding compliance.
ROI on an On-Grid Solar System in India
Here’s how much you save with Solar Save
At Solar Save, we don’t just install solar systems—we help you make a smart, long-term investment. The Return on Investment (ROI) for an on-grid solar system depends on various factors, including:
The type and efficiency of solar panels
Your home’s average sunlight exposure
Your monthly electricity consumption
The discovered rate (L1 rate) in your state
Applicable government subsidies
Let’s Understand This With a Realistic Example:
Assume you install a 5 kW solar system
Total cost after subsidy: ₹2,80,000
Average monthly consumption: 580–600 units
Electricity tariff in your state: ₹8/unit
🌞 Without Solar:
You would pay about ₹4,640 to ₹4,800 every month for electricity.
➡️ Annual bill: Approx. ₹55,680
☀️ With a 5 kW Solar Save System:
Your system will generate 580–600 units/month—covering most or all of your electricity needs.
In summer, your generation may be even higher.
In monsoons, slightly lower—but still substantial.
➡️ Monthly savings: ₹4,640 to ₹4,800
➡️ Yearly savings: Approx. ₹55,680
💰 Break-Even Point:
With consistent savings, you’ll recover your initial investment in just 4 to 5 years.
🌟 Long-Term Return:
After break-even, you’ll continue to enjoy free solar electricity for the next 20+ years.
That means total savings of at least ₹11,69,280—on an investment of just ₹2,80,000.
And this is just the minimum return, because:
⚡ Electricity tariffs rise by 3–5% every year, so your savings will grow year after year!