In recent years, Brazil has witnessed significant growth in the adoption of on-grid solar energy systems. These systems, which are connected to the conventional electrical grid, have become an increasingly attractive option for homes and businesses looking for sustainable and cost-effective solutions. With the cost of solar panels decreasing and environmental awareness increasing, more people are choosing to generate their own electricity from sunlight. In addition to reducing electricity bills, on-grid systems make it possible to inject the surplus energy produced into the grid, generating usable energy credits when demand exceeds solar production. This integration between solar generation and the conventional electrical grid promotes a gradual transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, benefiting consumers and the environment.
Off-Grid Systems
The search for energy autonomy drives the growth of off-grid solar energy systems in Brazil. These systems, which operate independently of the conventional electrical grid, prove to be an effective solution for remote, rural areas or areas with limited electrical infrastructure. With the installation of photovoltaic solar panels and energy storage systems, such as batteries, consumers can generate and store electricity for continuous use, even in times of absence of sunlight or power outages. This energy independence provides significant benefits, such as guaranteed energy supply in emergencies, reduced costs with fossil fuels and greater environmental sustainability. Off-grid solar energy systems represent not only a practical solution, but also a way of empowering consumers, allowing them to take control of their own energy generation and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
Differences and Advantages of On-Grid and Off-Grid Systems
On-grid and off-grid systems are two distinct approaches to using solar energy. Let's explore each of them:
On-Grid Systems (Connected to the electrical grid)
On-grid systems are connected to the conventional power grid. They consist of photovoltaic solar panels installed in homes, businesses or other buildings, which generate electricity from sunlight. This generated electricity is then injected into the
electricity grid, allowing consumption both by the solar installation itself and by other consumers connected to the same grid.
Advantages of on-grid systems
- The electricity generated can be shared with the grid, enabling energy compensation and reducing the electricity bill.
- It is not necessary to store energy, as the electrical grid acts as a “virtual storage”.
- It is a simpler and more economical option, as it does not require batteries or energy storage systems.
Off-Grid Systems (Disconnected from the electrical grid)
Off-grid systems are independent of the conventional electrical grid. They are designed to provide autonomous electricity in remote, rural locations or where there is no access to the electrical grid. These systems are composed of photovoltaic solar panels, energy storage batteries and a load control system.
Advantages of off-grid systems
- They allow energy autonomy in isolated areas or in regions without electrical infrastructure.
- They can supply electricity continuously, even during power outages or blackouts.
- They offer flexibility in choosing the installation location, not depending on the availability of the electrical network.
It is important to note that off-grid systems require careful sizing to meet site power needs. The energy generated by the solar panels is stored in batteries to be used when there is not enough sun. Furthermore, these systems usually involve a higher initial investment due to the need for accumulators and other energy storage components.
Both on-grid and off-grid systems have their specific applications, and the choice between them depends on individual needs, the availability of the electrical network and the location of the project. Both approaches contribute to the expansion of solar energy as a clean and sustainable source of electricity.
Credits for the On-Grid System
In the on-grid solar energy system, energy compensation is one of the main benefits for consumers. This mechanism, also known as net metering, allows surplus electricity generated by solar panels to be injected into the electrical grid and converted into energy credits. These credits can be used at times when solar production is insufficient, such as at night or on cloudy days, allowing consumers to significantly reduce electricity costs. In addition, credits can be accumulated over time, allowing the excess energy produced in the summer, for example, to be used in the months of lower solar generation. This energy compensation mechanism encourages the adoption of solar energy, promoting a better balance between supply and demand and contributing to the transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system.
Photovoltaic energy, previously regulated by Normative Resolution No. 482/2012 of the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL), underwent a significant update as of 2022. The new regulatory framework is established by Law 14,300/2022, which redefines the rules and establishes a new panorama for the operation of solar energy in Brazil. This new legislation aims to promote a more favorable environment for the growth and development of distributed generation, including photovoltaic solar energy.
Law 14,300/2022 brings important changes to the sector, addressing issues such as expanding generation capacity, simplifying grid connection processes, defining new tariffs and energy compensation mechanisms, as well as incentives for the installation of photovoltaic systems in different types of consumers, such as homes, businesses, industries and the rural sector.
With this new legislation, a greater democratization of solar energy in Brazil and of on-grid and off-grid systems is expected, encouraging more people and companies to adopt photovoltaic systems and contributing to the diversification of the country's energy matrix. This transition to an updated and comprehensive regulatory framework is critical to further drive the sustainable growth of solar energy in Brazil, strengthening its position as a clean, renewable and cost-effective source of electrical energy.
