Types of Solar Systems
Systems are classified as off-grid or grid-tied.
- Off-grid Systems are typically comprised of a PV system that provides all or most of the electricity for a particular user by storing excess solar-produced electricity in a battery storage system, or using a generator to provide supplementary power during night-time or incremental weather conditions.
- Grid-tied PV Systems are more common and involve a facility with an existing supply of electricity from the municipal power grid. In the event that the PV system is supplying more electricity than the facility is using, the excess power is sent to the municipal energy grid, physically turning your electrical meter backwards and generating credit from the utility company in the process. In the event that the facility is using more energy than the PV can supply, for example during the night or bad weather, the facility will pull the remaining power from the grid.