Off-Grid vs. On-Grid Solar Systems

Solar panels are often considered the basics of living off the grid. You produce your own electricity, independently of the country’s power grid. However, recent years saw many solar system owners becoming interested in the on grid option. We decided to “shine some light” on the differences between the two approaches.

So what is the difference between off grid and on grid solar?
The off grid solar system is self-sufficient, but it might underperform and require a backup generator. On the other hand, the on grid system is connected to the local grid, therefore you will not need the generator. You can even sell the surplus energy.

Are you intrigued by the possibility of cashing out your surplus electricity? Want to read more about the differences between the two systems? Have you also heard about a third option, hybrid solar? Let’s get into more details!

The Off Grid Solar System in a Nutshell

There are many reasons for having off grid power. You want a greener energy source. You want to feel independent. You live far away from everything, can’t hook up to the big power grid and a generator is costly, noisy and polluting.

In any of these cases, the sun becomes your energy provider. You install solar panels that convert the sunbeams to electricity. They actually do not cost as much as they used to. You will also need a DC to AC inverter, since the panels produce direct current (or DC), while your appliances usually require the AC electricity.

Here is where it gets tricky. If you’re dreaming about going completely off grid, keep in mind that the sun is not beaming on a daily basis. You will need a backup for the literal rainy day. Some folks go for the aforementioned generator, others wind or water. Whichever you choose, that’s an additional cost to your setup.

Off-Grid Solar Kits

The Advantages of the On Grid Solar System

The on grid solution is also called grid-tied system, since it’s actually connected to the power grid. Yes, you are not entirely unplugged and free as you imagined. However, in some scenarios, this system has noticeable advantages.

You are covered on the sunless days. The utility hook-up will provide you with the power you’re currently lacking.
Therefore, you will not need to invest into the backup battery or generator.
If you’re producing excess electricity, it is fed back into the grid (instead of being stored in a battery). By the end of the year, you cash out whatever you’ve “donated”. That’s right, the power company could pay you back. But be sure to check with them first, as the buyback option is not always available.

A possible disadvantage is when the power grid is down due to some technical difficulties. Without the backup battery, you could be sitting in the dark.

Introducing a Third Solar System – Hybrid

The hybrid solar system unites the two previously mentioned options. It’s grid-tied just like the on grid system, but it also has a battery, similar to the off grid solution. However, the battery can be much smaller and cheaper. You use both the sun and the local power grid to your advantage without investing too much money into the whole setup.

The hybrid solar system has also created a need for a new type of inverter. You can control when you output the energy to your devices, when you collect it into the battery bank, and when you give it to the utility grid. Thus, you can flexibly take advantage of the electricity rates that vary in different hours of the day. Use the grid when it’s the cheapest, send them the extra watts when they pay the most.

Off Grid VS On Grid VS Hybrid Solar – The Verdict

The following table compares between the three systems.

Decide for yourself which one works for you. Among the factors that should influence your decision are:

Budget
Local weather
Distance to the utility hook-up
Power company’s willingness to pay you back

Do You Really Save Money with Solar Panels?

In the (not so) long run, you do save a lot of money. But don’t take our word for it. Take a look at your utility bills and check the local rates. Getting solar panels might just be the thing you need. Not convinced yet? Then know that:

The installation of the solar system has actually become cheaper in recent years.
The energy costs, on the other hand, are not going down any time soon.
The solar panels last a long time and don’t demand a lot of maintenance and replacement.
And just face it, a greener, less polluted environment also saves money in a variety of ways!

Generally speaking, you do save a lot by living off the grid.

Can I Add Solar Panels to My Existing System?

Extra solar panels can be easily added, which can be useful in the following cases:

Your current on grid setup satisfies your needs, and now you intend to give something back to the power company in exchange for a payment.
Contrarily, you want to go completely off grid. You will need a bigger battery, and more panels are needed to fill it up.
You have a lot of unused space on your rooftop, and the thought of all that sunlight being wasted keeps you up at night.
Your current inverter is too big for the energy that you produce, and you decide to take full advantage of its capacity. However, carefully check its capabilities. Upgrade your system according to specifications of your inverter’s MPPT inputs. Use panels with precisely the same amperage and voltage that your inverter can deal with.

Constantly expanding your solar system is what you should consider as you prepare for off the grid living.

Solar Panels

Additional Ways to Use the Sun’s Power and Cut Costs

If you’re looking to cut costs, consider a thermal water heating system. It is somewhat similar to the panel, but instead of transforming the solar rays to electrical power, it traps and uses them to produce heat. The heat is carried to your hot water cylinder, and there you have it, hot water for everyone in your house. Your electrical bill will feel much lighter thanks to this invention.

There is also the passive solar design, a method that is both simple and ingenious. Basically, parts of the house itself can be used to either heat or cool it by using the sun itself and not a watt of electricity. This system does not require a lot of moving or mechanical parts. The common varieties are:

Windows – strategically placed and easily opened to provide the necessary temperature.
Thermal chimney – it forces the heat to rise, thus making the air move and cool the house.
Thermal mass – parts of the building (bricks, walls, floor) or big water containers that stockpile the heat for long periods of time.

Solar Water Heating