On Grid / Off Grid / Hybrid
An on grid solar system, also known as a grid-tied solar system, is the most widely deployed form of rooftop solar across the world. These systems do not need any batteries and are connected to the utility grid power.
It is best suited for customers with stable grid power and minimal power cuts. Other than homes, even educational institutions, industrial units, commercial establishments use these systems as their primary source of power.
An on-grid system is designed to first allow solar energy to be consumed by the customer. Beyond this, if the customer needs any excess power, it is drawn from the grid. If the customer’s energy requirement is lower than the power generated from the solar system, excess solar units are exported to the grid. This is possible through a ‘Net-meter’’.
Net meter is a device that records the energy supplied to the grid and the energy drawn from it. At the end of each month, the net energy consumed is recorded and the consumer is provided with a bill. This feature makes the on-grid solar system a great investment with high returns.
An off-grid solar system (off-the-grid, standalone) is the obvious alternative to one that is grid-tied. For homeowners that have access to the grid, off-grid solar systems are usually out of question.
Here`s why:
To ensure access to electricity at all times, off-grid solar systems require battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off-the-grid). On top of this, a battery bank typically needs to be replaced after 10 years. Batteries are complicated, expensive and decrease overall system efficiency.
Hybrid solar systems combines the best from grid-tied and off-grid solar systems. These systems can either be described as off-grid solar with utility backup power, or grid-tied solar with extra battery storage.
If you own a grid-tied solar system and drive a vehicle that runs on electricity, you already kind of have a hybrid setup. The electrical vehicle is really just a battery with wheels
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