On-grid, off-grid or hybrid solar: which one do you need?
Quick answer
On-grid solar lowers your bill but switches off when the grid goes off. Off-grid solar runs only on panels and batteries, with no grid. Hybrid solar uses the grid and a battery, so you get lower bills and backup during load-shedding. Most homes in Punjab choose hybrid.
What is an on-grid solar system?
An on-grid system is connected to the grid (WAPDA or GEPCO). In the daytime, your home uses solar power first. If the panels make extra power, it can go to the grid through net metering.
The catch: an on-grid system has no battery. When the grid goes off during load-shedding, the inverter also switches off for safety. So you get no power during load-shedding, even in bright sunlight.
Good for: homes and businesses that mainly want a lower bill and have few power cuts.
What is an off-grid solar system?
An off-grid system is not connected to the grid at all. Panels charge batteries, and your home runs from the panels and batteries only.
Good for: places with no grid connection, like some farms and remote areas. For most city homes, off-grid is not the best choice, because on cloudy days you have no grid to fall back on.
What is a hybrid solar system?
A hybrid system uses the grid and a battery. In the day, solar runs your home and charges the battery. At night or during load-shedding, the battery gives power. When the battery is low, the grid takes over.
Good for: most homes in Punjab, because you get a lower bill and backup during load-shedding.
Quick comparison
| Type | Lowers bill | Works in load-shedding | Needs battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-grid | Yes | No | No |
| Off-grid | No grid bill | Yes | Yes |
| Hybrid | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which one should I choose?
Ask yourself one question: do I need power during load-shedding? If yes, choose hybrid. If you only want a lower daytime bill, on-grid can be enough and costs less, because you do not buy a battery. If you have no grid connection, choose off-grid.
Not sure? Send us your electricity bill on WhatsApp and we will tell you which type fits your home.
Want advice for your home?
Send your electricity bill on WhatsApp and we will suggest the right system.