Off-grid and grid-connected inverter advantages and disadvantages

What is the main difference between grid-tied and off-grid inverters?

Grid-tied inverters are connected to the power grid and allow excess solar energy to be fed back into the grid, while off-grid inverters are not connected to the grid and require battery storage for energy use at night or on cloudy days.

Can an off-grid inverter feed solar power into the utility grid?

An off-grid inverter cannot feed power derived from solar or battery into the utility grid. On the other hand, the hybrid inverter can feedback on the power to the utility grid. The main advantage of a hybrid inverter is that the excess power can draw from the grid when the solar power produced is not sufficient to run the load.

How does an off-grid inverter work?

An off-grid inverter will draw power from a charged battery, convert the power from DC to AC, and output it into a household. It is essentially similar to a hybrid inverter, with one major difference: it cannot feedback power into the utility grid. A diagram depicting how an off-grid inverter fits into a more extensive solar system.

Should I upgrade my off-grid inverter to a hybrid system?

If you need more power than your off-grid system can supply, you should strongly consider upgrading to a hybrid system that draws from the grid when necessary and can feed into the grid in surplus situations. Choosing an off-grid inverter should only be when there is no grid connection available.

Can an off-grid inverter synchronise with the utility grid?

Off-grid inverters cannot synchronise with the utility grid. These are designed to work alone. An off-grid inverter cannot feed power derived from solar or battery into the utility grid. On the other hand, the hybrid inverter can feedback on the power to the utility grid.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of grid-tied systems?

Grid-tied solar inverter systems have several advantages, including net metering, where excess energy produced is sent to the grid, often in exchange for credits on electricity bills. These inverters are ideal for those who have reliable grid access and want to reduce their electricity costs while having a backup power source.