Grid vs Off-Grid Calculator

Compare solar system types and find the best solution for your needs

System Requirements

Solar panel capacity in kilowatts
Your current average monthly electricity cost
Required backup duration for off-grid/hybrid systems
Percentage of time electricity grid is available in your area
Requirements: 5kW system, ₹3,000/month
Grid: 95% available, Backup: 8h needed

Grid-Tied System

System Cost
3,75,000
After Subsidy
2,97,000

Components:

Solar PanelsGrid-Tie InverterMounting StructureNet Meter

✅ Advantages:

  • Lower initial cost
  • Eligible for government subsidy
  • Sell excess power to grid
  • Low maintenance

❌ Disadvantages:

  • No power during grid outage
  • Dependent on grid availability
  • Net metering policy required

Off-Grid System

System Cost
11,95,000
Net Cost
11,95,000

Components:

Solar PanelsBattery BankHybrid InverterCharge ControllerMounting Structure

✅ Advantages:

  • Complete energy independence
  • Power during grid outages
  • Good for remote areas
  • No electricity bills

❌ Disadvantages:

  • Higher initial cost
  • Battery replacement needed (10-15 years)
  • Not eligible for most subsidies
  • Requires larger battery bank

Hybrid System

System Cost
8,10,000
After Subsidy
7,32,000

Components:

Solar PanelsBattery Bank (smaller)Hybrid InverterNet MeterMounting Structure

✅ Advantages:

  • Best of both worlds
  • Power backup during outages
  • Can sell excess to grid
  • Eligible for subsidy
  • Flexible operation

❌ Disadvantages:

  • Higher cost than grid-tied
  • More complex installation
  • Battery maintenance required

Cost Comparison

Visual comparison of system costs and annual electricity bill

Our Recommendation

Hybrid System - Best balance of backup power and grid connectivity
Most Economical
Grid-Tied: ₹2,97,000
Best Balance
Hybrid: ₹7,32,000
Full Independence
Off-Grid: ₹11,95,000

How Solar System Types Compare

Cost Calculation

Grid-tied: Solar panels (₹3,35,000) + Grid-tie inverter (₹40,000) - Subsidy (₹78,000)

Off-grid: Additional battery cost (₹8,00,000) for 8h backup

System Selection Logic

Your grid availability: 95% | Monthly bill:3,000

• Grid ≥98% + Bill ₹5000 → Grid-tied | Grid 90% → Off-grid | Otherwise → Hybrid

Battery Requirements

Battery capacity needed = System size × Backup hours × 80% efficiency = 5kW × 8h × 0.8 = 32 kWh

Lithium battery cost: 32 kWh × ₹25,000/kWh = ₹8,00,000

Subsidy Information

Government subsidy for grid-tied and hybrid systems: ₹30,000/kW up to 2kW, then ₹18,000/kW up to 3kW (max ₹78,000)

Your 5kW system subsidy: ₹78,000 | Off-grid systems typically not eligible

System Comparison Summary

FeatureGrid-TiedOff-GridHybrid
Initial Cost3,75,00011,95,0008,10,000
After Subsidy2,97,00011,95,0007,32,000
Power During Outage
Sell to Grid
Battery RequiredFullPartial
MaintenanceLowHighMedium

Your 5kW System Analysis:

Monthly Bill: ₹3,000
Annual Cost: ₹36,000
Grid Reliability: 95%
Backup Needed: 8h
Best Option: Hybrid System
Estimated Savings: 70-90%