Off-Grid FAQ
What Does it mean to be Off-grid?
The basic power system types consist of Grid-tied (systems that are interconnected with a power company), Grid-tie w/ Battery Backup (same as a Grid-Tied system, plus batteries) and Off-Grid (systems that are stand-alone / not connected with a power company). Each system is designed for a different purpose depending upon the goals of the consumer.
What does a "solar grid tie system" mean?
Grid-tied systems are designed to help the consumer reduce energy or reach "net-zero" energy throughout the course of one year. The power produced by the system will feed into the grid and actually spin your electric meter backwards if it is producing more than you are using. This system shuts down and provides no backup power if the utility power fails.
What if I want the solar power to stay on if the utility power is out?
Grid-tie w/ Battery Backup systems provide backup power to the consumer in the event that the utility power fails. These systems are designed to operate for a specified amount of time in the event of a blackout and a generator can be added to increase autonomy. Typically the backed up loads “critical loads” will be those of importance and not the whole home, office, etc because of expense.
I want to build in the country and they want a fortune to bring in utility power. Can solar help me?
Off-Grid systems are the most complex. These systems require the most attention in order to achieve long life and satisfactory performance. Before installing these systems, customers benefit from planning energy conservation measures such as heating / cooling equipment, refrigeration, and lighting load reduction. This will decrease the size requirement for battery storage and energy generation, subsequently decreasing the size and expense of the solar array, generator, or other charging devices.
The size and cost of all of these systems depends on the electrical needs, so any reduction to consumption will increase the cost effectiveness of the system installed.