Grid-tied vs Off-grid Solar Power Systems: Which Is The Ideal System For Your Home?

You can’t talk about the different types of solar power systems without mentioning off-grid and grid-tied solar systems. These two systems, as well as hybrid systems, are very unique in terms of their setup and solar panel installation processes.

Today, many people struggle to choose the right solar power systems for their homes. One question they often ask during the buying process is—should I go for an off-grid solar system or a grid-tied system? You’ll find all you need to know about this question as you continue scrolling down this post.

 

What Exactly Is A Grid-Tied Solar Power System?

This type of solar power system doesn’t use any backup solar battery. It’s a type of solar panel installation that connects to the utility power grid. In cases where your solar system generates more electricity than your home needs, the excess is sent to the larger utility grid instead of getting stored in a battery. Also, in a situation where your home needs more power than what is available, the larger grid provides the necessary power.

 

Benefits Of Grid-Tied Solar System

As long as your home has access to the electricity grid, using a grid-tied solar power system will certainly benefit you in the following ways:

• First, when compared to other solar power systems, its solar panel installation is the simplest. It’s very straightforward to install—only less equipment is required without any need for solar batteries.
• Power supply is reliant on both solar panels and the electricity grid. As such, you can expect a lower carbon footprint and cheaper power.

 

What Exactly Is An Off-Grid Solar Power System?

You certainly need an off-grid solar power system if you reside in an area with zero access to the electricity grid. Unlike grid-tied systems, off-grid systems don’t need any connection to any utility grid to generate power in your home. Instead, all you need to make this power system work out include:

• Solar panels
• Solar batteries
• Other backup power source

With these aforementioned equipment, it’s safe to say that off-grid solar power systems are very expensive when compared to grid-tied systems. To power your home conveniently, you need to invest in multiple batteries for power storage.

 

Benefits Of Off-Grid Solar Panel Installation

As with grid-tied systems, off-grid solar panel installation also has its strengths and weaknesses. The drawbacks of this installation process are that it requires more batteries and certainly a lifestyle change (reduction of energy consumption).

The good things about this type of solar power system are:

• It makes you completely independent from the electricity grid.
• Ideal power solution if you reside in a remote location—where there’s zero access to the electricity grid.

 

Which Is Better: Off-Grid Systems Or Grid-Tied Systems?

You need to factor in a couple of things when choosing the right solar panel installation for your home.

• Financially, grid-tied solar power systems are better. They have simple designs, require less equipment, and offer the best ROI.
• We only recommend going for an off-grid system if you reside in a remote area, where there’s zero access to an electricity grid.

You can speak with experts at FT Technical if you need help figuring out the right solar power system for your home.