Distinction Between Off-Grid, On-Grid, and Hybrid Solar System? No More Confusion, all in 1 Basic Article!

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To begin with

In the current era of pursuing sustainable energy, solar power generation systems have become a hot topic. Want to buy but don’t know which system to choose? After reading this article, you will immediately know what kind of system suits you, and even what accessories you should buy! Let’s take an in-depth look at off-grid solar systems, on-grid solar systems, and hybrid solar systems.

On-grid Solar System

I) What is the on-grid solar system?

An on-grid solar system, also known as a grid-tied solar system, is when solar panels are put in and connected to the main power grid. Extra electricity made by the panels is sent to the grid when you don’t need it all. When the solar power isn’t enough, you get power from the grid. It usually doesn’t need battery storage and depends on the grid for a balance.

II) What does an on-grid solar system consist of?

  • solar panel
  • micro inverter
  • accessories (eg. screws, cables, brackets, etc.)

III) How does an on-grid system work?

The working principle of an on-grid system is that:
  • Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
  • An inverter then converts this DC power into alternating current (AC), which is the same type of electricity supplied by the main power grid.
  • When the solar system generates more electricity than is being consumed at a given moment, the excess power is fed back into the grid.
  • Conversely, when solar generation is insufficient to meet the demand, electricity is drawn from the grid to make up the difference.

On-grid solar system converts solar energy into electricity and connects to the public power grid, usually consisting of solar panels and micro-inverters.

IV) What are the applications of on-grid solar system?

  • For urban residences, like the balcony solar system
  • For business purposes, such as shopping malls and office buildings
  • For industrial facilities

V) What is an example of an on-grid system?

VI) How much does an on-grid solar system cost?

The price of the most popular on-grid solar systems, ranging from 600w to 800w, varies from $320 to $380, specifically:

You can obtain further quotations by contacting us.

VII) Component of on-grid solar system:

1) Solar Panel

Solar panels are key components, and their size directly affects the power. Larger panels usually generate more power. When sold, they are usually accompanied by brackets and wires for easy installation and connection.

1. How many solar panels do I need to run on-grid?

2. How much solar power do I need to run the on-grid solar system?

Most governments require a maximum power of 800w. Power greater than this needs to be approved. Therefore, the power options of an on-grid solar system ranging from 600W to 800W are the most popular. They typically require 2 solar panels of 450W each.

You can obtain tailored combinations and quantities of solar panels by contacting us.

2) Micro On-grid Inverter

1. What is the function of micro on-grid inverters?

  • The main purpose of the micro-inverter is to use solar energy to charge the power grid to achieve cost savings and all-weather power supply.
  • However, the government has restrictions on household charging, usually allowing only 800W of charging capacity. Therefore, micro-inverters usually do not directly connect to AC loads, but convert DC power into AC power first and then connect to the power grid or other systems for distribution and use. Connecting to the power grid can achieve unified distribution and optimized utilization of electrical energy.

2. What is the difference between micro inverters and normal (string) inverters?

Different to the off-grid system, the on-grid system needs to interact closely with the power grid. So micro inverter forms a better choice than the normal one:
  • Stability: Micro inverters can better adapt to the requirements of the power grid, providing more stable and high-quality power.
  • Reliability: The overall reliability of  micro-inverters is relatively high. If a micro-inverter fails, it usually affects the corresponding solar panel only, and the other parts can still work normally. In comparison, if the inverter of the off-grid system fails, it may cause the entire off-grid system to stop power supply. If it is applied in the on-grid system, it will be very dangerous.
  • Flexibility: The small size of micro-inverters is an advantage that makes them more flexible and convenient during installation, and they can adapt to various installation environments and space limitations. Especially in places with limited space, such as roofs with irregular shapes, obstacles, or small installation areas, the small size of micro-inverters helps to utilize the space more effectively and increase the layout density of solar panels.

On the other hand, the stability, reliability and flexibility of micro-inverters leads to their complex structure, which also means higher costs.

3. How to choose between stand-alone and parallel micro inverters?

  • Stand-alone micro inverter usually works independently and does not directly connect to other boards, and the power output is relatively low.
  • Parallel micro inverter can connect multiple boards through a specific connection method (such as male and female plugs) to work collaboratively, thereby increasing the total output power. The number of connections can be flexibly selected to adjust the total power and system configuration.

Stand-alone micro inverter usually works independently and does not directly connect to other boards, and the power output is relatively low. Parallel micro inverter can connect multiple boards through a specific connection method (such as male and female plugs) to work collaboratively, thereby increasing the total output power. The number of connections can be flexibly selected to adjust the total power and system configuration.Stand-alone micro inverter usually works independently and does not directly connect to other boards, and the power output is relatively low. Parallel micro inverter can connect multiple boards through a specific connection method (such as male and female plugs) to work collaboratively, thereby increasing the total output power. The number of connections can be flexibly selected to adjust the total power and system configuration.

4. How to connect a micro inverter to an on-grid solar system?
  • The input interface connects to the solar panel, with the PV+ connected by a red wire and the PV- connected by a black wire. It can typically match solar panels with a power of 1 – 1.5 times (1.2 – 1.3 times is the best) to prevent energy loss. (same as off-grid inverter)
  • The output interface can directly connect to AC loads, and some also have antennas that can be connected to mobile phones via WiFi to view electricity consumption.

Off-grid Solar System

I) What is the off-grid solar system?

An off-grid system is an independent solar power generation and can store that power in batteries. It does not connect to the power grid.

II) What does an off-grid solar system consist of?

  • solar panel
  • controller
  • battery
  • inverter (in some cases)
  • accessories (eg. screws, cables, brackets, etc.)

III) How does an off-grid system work?

The working principle of an off-grid system is that:

  • Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
  • This DC power then passes through a charge controller, which regulates the charging process and protects the batteries from overcharging.
  • The batteries store the electricity for later use.
  • When there is an electricity demand, the stored DC power is sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) that can be used to power various electrical appliances and devices.

Off-grid system is an independent solar power generation solution, typically consisting of solar panels, controllers, batteries, and in some cases, inverters.

IV) What are the applications of off-grid solar system?

  • For camping and outdoor adventures
  • For farms and agricultural buildings in isolated areas
  • For facilities in remote regions, such as communication towers or remote research stations in deserts, mountains that have no access to the main grid, etc.

V) What is an example of an off-grid system?

VI) How much does an off-grid solar system cost?

GIDITA Solar provides you with the lowest factory-direct price.

The price of the most popular off-grid solar systems, ranging from 3kw to 8kw, varies from $2,000 to $5,000, specifically:

  • 3kw: $2,000
  • 5kw: $3,500
  • 8kw: $5,000
  • 50kw: $20,000 (big power but less commonly chosen)

You can obtain further quotations by contacting us.

VII) Component of off-grid solar system:

1) Solar Panel

Same as in the on-grid system, the size of the solar panel affects the power. When sold, brackets and wires are provided for matching.

1. How many solar panels do I need to run off-grid?

It depends on the amount of power you require. Generally, each solar panel represents 560w.

The power options of an off-grid solar system ranging from 3kw to 8kw are the most popular. They typically need 5 to 14 pieces of solar panels, specifically:

  • 3kw: 5 pieces
  • 5kw: 8 pieces
  • 8kw: 14 pieces
  • 50kw: 109 pieces (big power but less commonly chosen)

You can obtain tailored combinations and quantities of solar panels by contacting us.

2. How much solar power do I need to run the off-grid solar system?

It depends on your electric power consumption.

  • If the average daily electricity consumption of your household is 10 – 20 kWh, it may be appropriate to choose a 3 – 5 kW off-grid solar system.
  • If the electricity consumption is 20 – 30 kWh, a 5 – 8 kW off-grid solar system may be more suitable.

This is only a rough reference. You can consult our professionals to determine.

2) Solar Controller

1. What is the function of controller?

  • Voltage regulation: Monitor the input voltage (such as from the solar panel) and stabilize it within a certain range to ensure that the voltage output to the load or battery meets the requirements.
  • Current control: Control the current magnitude to prevent excessive current from causing damage to the system while ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.
  • Overcharge and over-discharge protection: Monitor the charging state of the battery to prevent excessive charging or discharging of the battery to extend its service life.
  • Power distribution: Allocate power reasonably according to the demand of the load and the supply of the power source to ensure the stable operation of the system.
  • Reverse polarity protection: Prevent the reverse polarity of the power source to protect the circuit and equipment from damage. For example, in some simple off-grid solar power generation systems, if the load has low requirements for changes in the power frequency and rotational speed, the controller may mainly focus on the above basic voltage, current, and protection functions to achieve a relatively simple but effective energy management.

2. How to choose between PWM controllers and MPPT controllers?

  • PWM controllers are cost-effective and work by modulating the pulse width.

PWM controllers are cost-effective and work by modulating the pulse width.

  • MPPT controllers can track the maximum power point of the solar panel in real-time to ensure maximum energy output from the solar panel. Therefore, they are usually more efficient, can provide faster and more stable charging. At the same time, MPPT can accept a wider range of input voltages and convert them efficiently to voltages suitable for battery charging. However, due to more complex technology, the cost is usually higher.MPPT controllers can track the maximum power point of the solar panel in real-time to ensure maximum energy output from the solar panel. Therefore, they are usually more efficient, can provide faster and more stable charging. At the same time, MPPT can accept a wider range of input voltages and convert them efficiently to voltages suitable for battery charging. However, due to more complex technology, the cost is usually higher.

Therefore, if the efficiency and performance requirements of the solar power generation system are high, especially in unstable lighting conditions or when it is desired to make more full use of the energy of the solar panel, the MPPT controller is a better choice; if the budget is limited and the performance requirements of the system are not particularly demanding, the PWM controller can also meet the basic needs.

3. In which situation should we use Built-in Frequency converters?

Some controllers, in pursuit of higher performance, have built-in frequency converters, and their working methods are relatively more complex and intelligent:
  • Precise speed regulation: According to changes in the input power (such as changes in solar intensity), precisely adjust the rotational speed of the equipment to achieve the best operating efficiency and energy-saving effect.
  • Optimize power output: Monitor and adjust the power output in real-time to keep the system operating efficiently under different working conditions and maximize energy utilization.
    Adapt to load changes: Be able to respond quickly to load changes, automatically adjust the output frequency and voltage to ensure the stability and reliability of the system.
  • Improve energy utilization rate: Continuously search for the best operating point (maximum power point) to effectively improve the utilization rate of solar and other energies.
  • Intelligent control: Can communicate and collaborate with other intelligent devices or systems to implement more complex control strategies and functions.

For example, in some equipment with higher requirements for rotational speed and power control, such as solar air conditioners with frequency conversion compressors, controllers with frequency converters can precisely adjust the rotational speed of the compressor according to the supply of solar energy, thereby achieving more energy-saving and stable operation.

4. How to connect a controller to an on-grid solar system?

Stand-alone micro inverter usually works independently and does not directly connect to other boards, and the power output is relatively low. Parallel micro inverter can connect multiple boards through a specific connection method (such as male and female plugs) to work collaboratively, thereby increasing the total output power. The number of connections can be flexibly selected to adjust the total power and system configuration.
  • The input interface connects to the solar panel, with the PV+ connected by a red wire and the PV- connected by a black wire. It can typically match solar panels with a power of 1 – 1.5 times (1.2 – 1.3 times is the best) to prevent energy loss.
  • The output interface can directly connect to DC loads, such as DC bulbs, water pumps, air conditioners, fans, etc., and can also charge the battery.

3) Battery

The battery is used to store the electricity generated by solar energy for power supply when the sunlight is weak or absent.

4) Off-grid Inverter

1. What is the function of off-grid inverters?

  • The working principle of the off-grid inverter is to convert DC power into AC power.
  • The inverter usually contains electronic switching components, such as transistor IGBT. By controlling the rapid on-off of these switching components, the input DC power is chopped into a series of pulses. To obtain smooth AC power output, the inverter usually also uses a filter circuit to reduce the harmonic components in the output voltage and current to make it closer to a sine wave. In short, the inverter realizes the conversion from DC to AC through high-speed switching control and filtering processing of the DC power.

2. How to choose between VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) and inverters?

  • VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) is a special type of inverter, who have a frequency conversion function and can flexibly change the output AC frequency and voltage according to actual needs. This makes it widely used in fields such as motor speed control. By adjusting the frequency and voltage, the rotational speed of the motor can be precisely controlled to achieve energy saving, improve operating efficiency, and meet the needs of different working conditions. For example, in industrial production equipment such as fans and water pumps, the rotational speed can be automatically adjusted according to load changes to achieve energy saving purposes.
  • Inverters only convert DC power into AC power with a fixed frequency and voltage but do not change the frequency. They are usually used in some devices with low requirements for changes in power frequency and voltage, such as converting the DC power generated by solar panels into the commonly used 220V, 50Hz AC power in households to supply power to general household appliances.

VFD inverters have a frequency conversion function and can flexibly change the output AC frequency and voltage according to actual needs. This makes it widely used in fields such as motor speed control. By adjusting the frequency and voltage, the rotational speed of the motor can be precisely controlled to achieve energy saving, improve operating efficiency, and meet the needs of different working conditions. For example, in industrial production equipment such as fans and water pumps, the rotational speed can be automatically adjusted according to load changes to achieve energy saving purposes. In general, ordinary inverters provide relatively fixed AC output, while VFD inverters can provide AC output with variable frequencies and voltages to meet more complex and specific application requirements.Stand-alone micro inverter usually works independently and does not directly connect to other boards, and the power output is relatively low. Parallel micro inverter can connect multiple boards through a specific connection method (such as male and female plugs) to work collaboratively, thereby increasing the total output power. The number of connections can be flexibly selected to adjust the total power and system configuration.

3. How to connect a inverter to an off-grid solar system?

  • The input interface connects to the battery.
  • The output interface connects to the AC load.

Hybrid Solar System

I) What is the hybrid solar system?

There are 2 types of hybrid solar systems:

  • The first type can handle both off-grid and on-grid operations simultaneously. The output interface can be connected to sell any extra energy to the grid.
  • The second type is an off-grid solar system combined with an energy source from the grid. However, the output interface of this type cannot be connected to sell any extra energy to the grid.

Most of the products available in the market are of the second type.

II) What does a hybrid solar system consist of?

  • solar panel
  • hybrid inverter (with built-in controller and inverter)
  • battery
  • accessories (eg. screws, cables, brackets, etc.)

III) How does a hybrid system work?

The working principle of a hybrid system is that:
  • The solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
  • The hybrid inverter then changes this DC power into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used in most devices and the grid.
  • When the solar power produced is more than the immediate demand, the excess electricity can be stored in batteries for later use.
  • If solar power is not enough to meet the current electricity needs, the system will draw power from the main power grid or the stored energy in batteries.
  • The controller (usually inside of the hybrid inverter) continuously monitors power production and consumption and manages the power flow from different sources to guarantee a reliable and continuous supply of electricity.

Hybrid solar system is a system that can simultaneously handle both off-grid and on-grid operations. It usually consists of solar panels, controllers, batteries, inverters, etc. Sometimes all in one machine.

IV) What are the applications of hybrid solar system?

  • Home energy storage systems
  • Small commercial places
  • Some scenarios with high requirements for power supply reliability and energy utilization efficiency

V) What is an example of a hybrid system?

VI) How much does a hybrid solar system cost?

GIDITA Solar provides you with the lowest factory-direct price.

The price of the most popular hybrid solar systems, ranging from 5kw to 10kw, varies from $3,900 to $7,200, specifically:

  • 5kw: $3,900
  • 8kw: $6,500
  • 10kw: $7,200

You can obtain further quotations by contacting us.

VII) Component of hybrid solar system:

1) Solar Panel

Same as in the off-grid and on-grid system, the size of the solar panel affects the power. When sold, brackets and wires are provided for matching.

1. How many solar panels do I need to run hybrid?

It depends on the amount of power you require. Generally, each solar panel represents 560w.

The power options of a hybrid solar system ranging from 5kw to 10kw are the most popular. They typically need 10 to 20 pieces of solar panels, specifically:

  • 5kw: 10 pieces
  • 8kw: 16 pieces
  • 10kw: 20 pieces

You can obtain tailored combinations and quantities of solar panels by contacting us.

2. How much solar power do I need to run the hybrid solar system?

It depends on your electric power consumption.

  • If the average daily electricity consumption of your household is 20 – 30 kWh, it may be appropriate to choose a 5 – 8 kW hybrid solar system.
  • If the electricity consumption is 30 – 40 kWh, an 8 – 10 kW hybrid solar system may be more suitable.

This is only a rough reference. You can consult our professionals to determine.

2) Hybrid Inverter

1.What is the function of hybrid inverters?

The hybrid inverter is an electrical conversion device that can handle both off-grid and on-grid functions:

  • During off-grid operation, when the power grid is down, the hybrid inverter uses the power from the battery or solar panels to supply power to each loads, achieving independent power supply.
  • During on-grid operation, when the power grid is normal, it can feed back the excess solar power to the power grid, achieving “self-consumption with surplus power sold to the grid”, saving electricity costs and generating revenue.

2. How to connect a hybrid inverter to a hybrid solar system?

  • The input interface can receive both DC power from solar panels and AC power from the power grid, flexibly utilizing different energy sources for optimization.
  • The output interface can convert DC power into AC power to meet the needs of AC loads, and can also convert AC power into DC power to charge the battery or supply DC loads.

Summary

I) Which is better, on-grid or off-grid solar system?

  • On-grid solar systems are usually a more cost-effective choice, as they allow you to save money on your electricity bill and potentially earn credits. They also don’t require expensive battery banks like off-grid systems do.
  • Off-grid solar systems offer independence from the power grid, which can be beneficial in remote areas or during power outages.

II) Which is better, hybrid or off-grid solar system?

  • Off-grid solar systems are ideal if you are in a location with no access to the main power grid. It provides power solely based on the solar panels and any attached battery storage. However, it often requires a significant investment in batteries and may have limitations in providing continuous high-power output.
  • Hybrid solar systems are suitable for those who have a reliable grid connection and want to balance costs, as they combine the benefits of solar power with the option to draw from the grid or other backup sources when needed. You don’t need as large of a battery storage capacity compared to a pure off-grid system.

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Gidita Solar

Xiamen Geno Industry Co,. Ltd.

Tel / WhatsApp: +86 13906057667

Email: cathy@geno-china.com

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