If you are ready to switch to solar power but you’re not sure which solar system to choose, this article may help you. This guide will illustrate the different types of solar systems and which is best suited for specific use cases.
According to different applications, solar pv systems are divided into grid-tied, off-grid, hybrid, and grid-tied storage systems.


Grid-Tied Solar System
The grid-tied solar system consists of pv modules, grid-connected inverters, photovoltaic meters, loads, two-way meters, grid-connected cabinets, and grids. The pv modules generate direct current from sunlight and convert them into alternating current to supply loads and send them to the grid.
Grid-connected solar systems mainly have two modes of Internet access, one is "spontaneous and self-use, surplus electricity goes online", and the other is "full online access". Generally, distributed solar systems mainly adopt the mode of "spontaneous generation and self-use, surplus electricity to go online". The electricity generated by solar cells is given priority to the load. When the load is not used up, the excess electricity is sent to the grid. The photovoltaic system can supply power to the load at the same time.


Off-Grid Solar System
Off-grid solar systems operate independently without relying on the power grid, and are used in remote places, areas without electricity, islands, communication base stations, and street lights. The system is composed of solar array, solar inverter, controller, battery pack, load and so on. The photovoltaic array converts solar energy into electrical energy when the sun is shining , and powers the load through the integrated solar control inverter, and at the same time charges the battery pack; when there is no sunshine, the battery powers the AC load through the inverter.


Hybrid Solar System
Hybrid solar systems are widely used in applications where there are frequent power outages, or photovoltaics for spontaneous self-use cannot be connected to the grid, self-use electricity prices are much more expensive than on-grid electricity prices, and peak electricity prices are much more expensive than trough electricity prices.
The system consists of solar panels, battery packs, loads, hybrid inverter and controller (all-in-one machine), etc. When the sun is shining, the off grid solar array converts solar energy into electric energy, the load is supplied by the all-in-one machine, and the battery pack is charged at the same time; when there is no sunshine, the battery powers the solar inverter with MPPT machine, and then AC load power supply. Compared with the grid-connected solar system, the hybrid solar system adds charge and discharge controllers and batteries.
The system cost has increased by about 30%, but the application range is wider. One is that it can be set to output at the rated power at the peak of the electricity price to reduce electricity expenses; the second is that it can be charged in the valley of the electricity price, discharge at the peak, and use the peak-valley price difference to make money; third, when the power grid is out of power, the solar system works as a backup power source continually, the inverter can be switched to off-grid working mode, and photovoltaic and storage batteries can supply power to the load through the inverter.

Grid-tied with Storage Solar System
The grid-tied with storage solar system can store excess power generation and increase the proportion of self-use. It can be used in applications where photovoltaic self-use cannot be connected to the grid, self-use electricity price is much more expensive than on-grid electricity price, and peak electricity price is much more expensive than wave flat electricity price. The system consists of a solar array, solar controllers, battery packs, grid-tied inverters, current detection devices, loads, etc.
When the solar power is less than the load power, the system is powered by the solar energy and the grid together. When the solar power is greater than the load power, part of the solar power supplies power to the load, and part of it is stored by the controller.
In some countries and regions, if you have previously installed a solar system and the Feed-in tariff is cancelled, we recommend that you install a grid-connected storage system so that your solar power generation is completely self-contained. The grid-tied storage machine can be compatible with inverters from various manufacturers, and the original system does not need to be modified.


The Bottom Line
Grid-tied solar system is the cheapest option, but it will leave you at the disposal of the power company. In addition, if the grid’s substation fails, you will be without power like everyone else, because the solar panels are shut off to protect electrical workers.
Off-grid solar system is much more expensive, and it is necessary to add solar batteries and backup generators to make up for the lack of solar energy. Additional equipment is also necessary, and you are solely responsible for maintenance.
Hybrid solar systems provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to sell electricity to the electric company and rely on backup batteries in the event of a grid failure. Hybrid solar system can save you the cost of backup generators, and you will still get maintenance support from the electric company.
If you are still not sure which type of system is right for you, a solar consultation and design by Sunerise solar specialists will provide you with low-cost options that best fit your needs. Contact us and get a customized solar system design now.