⚖️ On-Grid vs Off-Grid Solar Systems: Which One Is Right for You?

Newera Renewables
May 2
2 min read

If you’re planning to install a solar panel system in Chennai or anywhere in Tamil Nadu, you’ve likely come across two main options: On-Grid and Off-Grid solar systems. But which one should you choose?

At Newera Renewables, we help homeowners and businesses make informed decisions. This guide will explain the key differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each system—so you can pick what’s best for your energy needs and budget.

🔌 What Is an On-Grid Solar System?

An on-grid (or grid-tied) solar system is connected directly to the TNEB electricity grid. It supplies solar power to your home or business during the day, and excess power is exported to the grid through net metering.

✅ Advantages of On-Grid Solar:

Lower upfront cost: No battery means reduced installation cost.
Net metering benefits: Sell extra energy to TNEB and earn credits.
Efficient energy use: Automatically uses solar during the day and grid at night.
Government subsidies available: Up to 30% for residential installations.

❌ Disadvantages of On-Grid Solar:

No power during outages: If the grid goes down, so does your power.
Grid dependency: You still rely on TNEB during evenings or cloudy days.

⚡ What Is an Off-Grid Solar System?

An off-grid solar system is completely independent of the electricity grid. It uses solar panels and battery storage to provide 24/7 power. These are ideal for remote areas or places with frequent power cuts.

✅ Advantages of Off-Grid Solar:

100% independence from the grid
Power backup during outages
Suitable for rural and remote locations
No electricity bills — complete freedom

❌ Disadvantages of Off-Grid Solar:

Higher upfront cost: Batteries add significant cost.
Limited storage: Once batteries are full, excess energy is wasted.
Requires careful load management: You must balance usage with stored energy.

🆚 Quick Comparison Table

Feature	On-Grid System	Off-Grid System
Grid Connection	Yes	No
Battery Requirement	No	Yes
Cost	Lower	Higher
Power During Outage	No	Yes
Net Metering	Yes (TNEB-supported)	No
Ideal For	Urban/Tier-1 cities like Chennai	Rural areas with frequent outages
Maintenance	Low	Moderate (battery maintenance)

🏡 Which One Is Right for You?

✅ Choose On-Grid if You live in a city like Chennai, Coimbatore, or Madurai, have reliable grid power, and want the best ROI with minimal investment.

✅ Choose Off-Grid if You live in a remote area, experience frequent power cuts, or want complete energy independence.

👷 How Newera Renewables Can Help

At Newera Renewables, we design custom solar systems for your unique energy needs—whether you’re looking for an on-grid, off-grid, or hybrid solution.

🏠 Free site inspection
📑 Assistance with net metering & subsidy
🔋 Battery options with advanced technology
🛠 Expert installation & support across Tamil Nadu

📞 Ready to Go Solar?

Let us help you choose the best solar system for your home or business.

📲 Call: +91-9342345645

🌐 Website: www.newera-renewables.com

📩 Email: contact@newera-renewables.com

Power your future with the right solar choice—only with Newera Renewables.