Differences Between Grid-Tied & Off-Grid Solar Systems

When you go solar, you can customize your solar panel system to fit the exact needs of your household. One of these customization options includes choosing between a grid-tied and off-grid system. Both provide energy savings but have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

At 1 Source Solar, we educate our customers in all things solar so they know exactly what they’re getting. After all, going solar can be a good albeit pricey initial investment. That’s why we understand the importance of providing resources to homeowners, business owners, and farmers alike.

One of the first things we determine with our customers is whether or not they need a grid-tied or off-grid solar system. So, what are the differences between them? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Check out our guide to each and determine which one is the best fit for your property.

What Is a Grid-Tied Solar System?

Installing a grid-tied solar panel system on your property means that your system is connected to a utility grid. This allows you to use solar energy when it is available and still pull energy from your utility grid when it is not.

The Advantages of Grid-Tied Solar

There are a few advantages when it comes to a grid-tied solar system, all stemming from the fact that it is tied directly to your utility grid.

• Lower cost. Grid-tied solar panel systems are inherently less expensive than their counterparts. Without the need to include battery energy storage, the system is less complex.
• Net metering. If your grid-tied solar system creates “too much energy,” that excess energy can be sent to the connected utility grid and can earn you credits on your electric bill.
• A reliable source of backup. If for some reason your solar panel system becomes damaged or energy production is low, the connected utility grid will keep powering your property.

The Disadvantages of Grid-Tied Solar

Grid-tied solar systems do come with a couple of disadvantages for property owners.

• No power during outages. If your connected utility grid has an outage, then you will not be able to produce any power due to no battery storage backup to help as a resource.
• Staying dependent on the utility grid. Even though it may be helpful to stay reliant on your utility grid, you are still subject to any policy or rate changes they may implement. A grid-tied solar system does not necessarily mean you are fully independent from your energy provider.

What Is an Off-Grid Solar System?

Almost the exact opposite of a grid-tied system, off-grid solar systems are created to operate fully independent from an energy grid. Instead, they use battery energy storage when solar energy cannot be fully produced, such as at nighttime or on overcast days.

The Advantages of Off-Grid Solar

Off-grid solar systems do come with a few advantages of being independent from a utility grid.

• Energy independence. With this type of solar panel system, you are fully independent from an energy provider. You aren’t subject to any policy/rate changes that an energy company might incur.
• Ideal for rural or remote locations. The farther away your property is from a suburb or more urban area, the harder it is for you to receive adequate energy service. Off-grid solar systems allow you to provide power for yourself when grid access may be inaccessible or unavailable.

The Disadvantages of Off-Grid Solar

With every advantage of an off-grid solar system comes a disadvantage that can deter customers from making this solar system their number one choice for their property.

• Higher cost. Unlike grid-tied solar systems, off-grid solar systems require battery energy storage, making them a more complex system. This will require a higher initial installation cost.
• Required energy management. Since off-grid solar systems use battery energy storage, the consumer does need to monitor their energy usage to ensure they won’t overuse or run out.

Go Green, Save Grid-Tied & Off-Grid Solar—Which One Is Right For You?

Now that you know the difference between a grid-tied and off-grid solar panel system, which one is the best fit? At 1 Source Solar, we recommend that residential homeowners in suburbs or more urban areas utilize a grid-tied system. This will help reduce energy bills but still keep you tied to a utility grid for a reliable source of power.

For our rural or more remote homeowners, we recommend an off-grid solar panel system. In some rural communities, energy utility companies have a difficult time reaching residents or often put a higher priority on urban/suburban energy consumers. With an off-grid solar system, you are fully independent and don’t need to wait or rely on a utility provider.

Let Iowa & Missouri’s Top Solar Company Install Your Solar Grid System

The solar industry is full of new technologies and advancements that homeowners can use to their advantage. Going solar means saving more on energy bills so you have more money in your pocket. Whether you’re looking to install a solar system that’s grid-tied or off-grid, our solar specialists will assist you in every step of the way. 1 Source Solar has installed small-to-large-scale solar projects all across the states of Iowa and Missouri.

Contact us today to receive a FREE assessment on solar for your property.