Grid Tie Vs Off Grid Solar Panels

Grid tied solar systems are connected to the main utility power lines called the grid while off grid systems are not.

Grid tie vs off grid solar panels.

Grid tied on grid utility interactive grid intertie and grid backfeeding are all terms used to describe the same concept a solar system that is connected to the utility power grid. One of the biggest decisions solar shoppers have to make is whether to install a standard grid tied solar energy system a solar battery backup or a fully off grid solar energy system. The simple answer to this is that on grid a k a. Off grid also known as a stand alone power system saps 3.

Your choice of an off grid system or on grid system will determine your access to electricity what equipment is needed for excess production what happens when the grid goes down and. On grid means your solar system is tied to your local utility company s system. On grid also known as a grid tie or grid feed solar system. Every system needs a place to store energy so that it can be used on demand.

Your panels only generate charge when the sun is out during the day but you still need a way to turn the lights on in the evening. The three main types of solar power systems. Because of this extra equipment off grid solar is more expensive than grid tied with the tesla powerwall costing 3 000 or 6 000 during the 20 year lifespan of the solar panels and a 10kw inverter costing 300 500. While an on grid system doesn t.

This is what most residential homes will use because you are covered if your solar system under or over produces in regard to your varying energy needs. An off grid solar system is a good option for some cabins and more isolated areas however at this time off grid systems struggle to compete with the payback and roi of a grid tied system. The difference between grid tied and off grid solar revolves around where you store the energy you generate. As a safety feature grid tied solar systems are designed to switch off when the grid goes down.

An off grid system may require batteries and sometimes a back up generator. Let s look closer at the benefits and downsides of grid tied off grid and hybrid solar systems. No power during grid outages. Furthermore in the event of a power outage during the day you will not be able to utilize your solar panels.

Hybrid grid connected solar system with battery storage. If you would like to learn more about grid tied and off grid solar give us a call at 877 851 9269 or send us a message.