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Grid-Tied Vs. Off-Grid Solar Inverters: Which Do You Need?

By admin | September 11, 2023 |

Many people understand solar panels but do not know much about solar inverters or their function in a solar system. Solar inverters are pivotal in providing your home with renewable and sustainably sourced energy.

But which type of solar inverter is best?

Keep reading as we discuss why you need a solar inverter and the key differences between grid-tied and off-grid solar inverters. This guide will help you understand the type you need for your home.

Why Do You Need A Solar Inverter

Without a solar inverter, your solar panels would be redundant. Your solar panels produce energy by converting UV light into power. However, your solar panels can only produce direct current (DC) power.

When you use power for the various devices and systems in your home, you use alternating current (AC) power. You need to convert the DC energy into AC energy to use the power generated by your solar panels.

This is what a solar inverter does. A solar inverter is typically installed in an accessible location, such as a garage space or attic. It is used to connect your home’s outlets and systems to your solar panels while converting energy.

What Is A Grid-Tied Solar Inverter?

A grid-tied solar inverter is a commonly used inverter. It helps to convert energy generated from your solar panels into usable energy for your home, but it serves another function, too.

Should your solar panels not produce enough energy to power your home, the solar inverter will switch back to grid power so that your home’s systems are still operational. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a grid-tied solar inverter:

Feeding energy back to the grid – investing in a solar battery can store the excess energy you don’t use. A grid-tied inverter makes this possible if you wish to sell this energy back to the grid. With this function, you will receive credits from utility providers and get money off your next monthly energy bill.
Provides energy at night – if you need to power your home or business at night but do not have a solar inverter, a grid-tied inverter allows you to use energy from the main power grid. This way, you can use more power when you require it.

Here are some of the disadvantages to consider when weighing up a grid-tied solar inverter for your home:

No function during blackouts – since on-grid solar systems do not have a battery, they cannot provide power for your home during a blackout. This is an essential safety feature.
No night-time power – when there’s no sunlight, your grid-tied solar inverter won’t be able to produce solar power or reduce your nighttime energy consumption.

What Is An Off-Grid Solar Inverter?

An off-grid solar inverter is a lone wolf working independently of grid power. Off-grid inverters cannot connect your property to the grid, and the inverter cannot work alongside grid power. Here are some of the advantages of using an off-grid solar inverter:

No more energy bills – when you’ve used up the energy from your solar panels, you don’t need to worry about incurring any more head-scratching energy costs. An off-grid solar inverter helps you live completely grid-free, putting a complete halt to monthly energy bills.
Reliable power – even if there’s a blackout, your solar power system will still be fully operational, so you don’t need to light candles and sit around waiting for the power to come back on. There are no safety concerns for energy you use during a blackout, as you’re not linked to the grid. So, while others are in the dark, you can still watch TV and chill out as normal.
Completely renewable – if you’re getting dead-serious about lowering your carbon footprint, a solar inverter is the way to go. You won’t use any energy generated with nasty fossil fuels and carbon-emitting methods. You can rest easy with a clear conscience – you’re completely green!

Although there are advantages to using an off-grid solar inverter, don’t forget to consider some of these downsides:

Larger storage required – since your off-grid solar system won’t have grid power to fall back on, you’ll need to invest in a larger solar battery. This solar battery will protect you from power-outs with enough excess energy stored for nighttime use. Basically, your life will stop when the sun goes down without a solar battery!
More solar panels – to completely rely on solar energy and stay clear of expensive grid energy, you might need to invest in more solar panels than with an on-grid system.
Generator – a backup generator always comes in handy in an emergency, and investing in one is your top priority if you choose an off-grid solar inverter. You couldn’t possibly survive for days without power if your solar system breaks.

Which Is Best For Your Needs?

The right solar system depends entirely on why you want solar panels in the first place – are you going green or just looking to save a few pennies? Here are some considerations to help with your decision:

Your energy consumption – investing in an on-grid solar inverter might be a good idea if you’re an energy guzzler. This way, you’ll have a fallback power source without spending more on panels and batteries.
Your energy-saving goals – if you’re dedicated to gaining total energy empowerment and battling the impact of non-renewable energy, an off-grid solar inverter is the way to go. You can rest easy knowing your home won’t be affected by blackouts or skyrocketing energy prices.
Your location – if you’re moving to a remote location, grid power isn’t your best friend. It’s difficult to connect and could provide a patchy energy supply. By choosing an off-grid solar inverter, you gain a consistent and dependable energy supply despite your remote location.

Summary

Before you begin your journey towards renewable energy for your home (and your own peace of mind), consider the benefits of both on and off-grid solar inverters. Ultimately, the right choice for you is totally at your discretion. On-grid inverters tend to be the most convenient and popular solution, but off-grid is the best way to go completely green

Need advice for solar system installation? You can always count on our gurus at SolarPath. We’ll make recommendations based on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and energy goals. Call us now for a chat about lowering your energy bills.