As its name suggests, a grid-tied system<\/a> represents solar power directly connected to the utility power grid. Others may refer to it using terms such as utility-interactive, grid-back feeding, on-grid, or grid-tied system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With this utility-interactive grid system, all you primarily need to do is to supply your solar electrical power to the utility grid. Then, in case your solar panels cannot adequately supply your needs, the electrical grid system will furnish you with additional power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Illustrating the grid-tied system<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n The following are the main parts of a standard grid-tied solar system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar system array showcasing the key components<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar panels are the power source and, therefore, a fundamental component in all solar power systems. <\/p>\n\n\n It is essential in the current and voltage regulation of the solar power system. Primarily, it changes the direct current (DC) from the solar panel to AC power. Most electrical appliances use power in AC form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some refer to this component as a grid-interactive or synchronous inverter. It is from its capability to synchronize the frequency and phase of the input current to meet that of the utility grid power lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, the GTI raises the output voltage higher than the grid voltage. Consequently, this allows the flow of excess electricity into the grid. <\/p>\n\n\n Micro-inverters on individual panels<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can go for micro-inverters if you face roof shading issues, as they collect power from individual solar panels. Thus, unlike one central inverter, microinverters are many and thus more expensive than a single inverter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, their overall efficiency rates are higher than for string inverters. <\/p>\n\n\n For this system, you need a special meter capable of net metering. This two-way meter will measure the power that goes in either direction of the grid system (from and to the grid).<\/p>\n\n\n It offers the net metering option<\/a> that allows you to save more money. Often, a solar system will produce more power than you actually need. Hence, the net metering option allows you to connect this power to the grid for electricity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many power companies purchase power at the same rate they sell to consumers. Thus, you’ll save a lot on power costs.<\/p>\n\n\n Under this system, you don’t need extra components such as solar batteries and battery-based inverters, which are pricey. Hence, regarding upfront costs, the grid-tie system is the cheapest. <\/p>\n\n\n This system doesn’t have components such as battery banks. Thus, unlike systems with battery storage, it doesn’t require maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n The off-the-grid solar system is the alternative option for those without access to the utility grid. But the off-grid solar battery system requires a unique set of components from the grid-tie system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An off-grid solar power system illustration<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n For this option, you need the following additional components: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The battery regulator will control the current rate in the battery bank, thus protecting it from overcharging. It keeps the batteries healthy, thus extending their lifetime. Also, note that most battery-based inverters feature integrated charge controllers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A voltage regulator<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n All solar power systems will need AC and DC safety disconnects, although off-grid solar installations require an extra one. You should install it between the off-grid inverter and the battery bank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its role is to connect and disconnect the current between these two components. <\/p>\n\n\n A battery bank or generator is a prerequisite for off-grid systems. It stores the power that the solar collects during the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Battery bank<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n You don’t need this component if your solar panel connects to DC-powered appliances. However, for AC-powered appliances, it will come in handy. Also, since typical off-grid solar systems don’t supply to the grid, their inverters don’t need to be in phase with the utility sine wave. <\/p>\n\n\n You may need backup generators to protect you from power outages, especially during the winter when the sun hours are limited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A backup generator<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n Wind and Solar Hybrid power system<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hybrid systems feature both properties of grid-tie and off-grid solar systems. For instance, you can have off-grid solar with utility backup power. Also, a hybrid system can comprise a grid-tied solar system with extra battery storage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Notably, you have a typical hybrid setup if you have an electricity-powered car and a grid-tied solar system. <\/p>\n\n\n The parts of a hybrid system are similar to those of a typical off-grid system we outlined earlier. They include the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar hybrid system<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Also called the hybrid inverter, the Battery-based grid-tie inverter works in two primary ways. Normally, they can synchronize with the utility grid and draw power from and to the battery banks. <\/p>\n\n\n Approximately 30 to 40% of off-grid system upfront costs are on battery purchases. They are also relatively expensive and could go up to four figures in dollars. Hence, if you’re unsure which of the two is best, go for the grid-tied option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Grid-tie solar systems are cheap compared to off-grid systems, as storing power in the utility grid costs nothing. <\/p>\n\n\n Grid-tie, off-grid, and hybrid solar systems are the three main types of solar arrays. Each has its respective share of upsides and downsides, as outlined. We hope you’re now fully informed as you set up your solar array of choice. Thanks for reading, and feel free to engage us<\/a> in case of any queries.<\/p>\n![\"Illustrating](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-68-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCore System Components- Grid-Tied Solar System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-62-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGrid-tie inverter (GTI)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
Micro-inverters<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
![\"Micro-inverters](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-62-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPower meter<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n
Grid-tied Systems Advantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
1. It helps in savings<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
2. Has lower upfront costs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
3. It helps you save on maintenance costs <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
Grid-tied systems Disadvantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Grid-tied vs. Off-grid: Off-grid Solar Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-59-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCore System Components- Off-Grid solar power systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Solar charge controller\/ Charge Regulator<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/5-49-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDC disconnect switch<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
Battery bank<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-36-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOff-grid inverter<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
Backup generator<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/7-29-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOff-grid Solar Systems Advantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Off-grid Solar Systems Disadvantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Grid-tied vs. Off-grid: Hybrid Solar Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Wind](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-23-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCore System Components- Hybrid solar power systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/9-16-jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBattery-based grid-tie inverter<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
Hybrid solar systems Advantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Hybrid solar systems Disadvantage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Grid-tied vs. Off-grid: When in Doubt, Go Grid-Tied<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n