Differences between on-grid and off-grid systems in photovoltaic installations

On-grid system

Advantages:

Integration with the power grid: The on-grid system is connected to the public electricity grid, allowing the use of electricity from both the grid and the solar panels.

Sale of surplus energy: Surplus energy produced can be sold to the grid, which can generate additional income.

Emergency power supply: If the photovoltaic system fails, you can still use energy from the grid.

Lower costs: On-grid systems are usually cheaper to install than off-grid, as they do not require expensive batteries to store energy.

Disadvantages:

Grid dependency: If there is a power cut from the grid, the on-grid system does not work because the inverter automatically shuts down.

Regulation: The sale of energy to the grid is regulated by law and can be limited by rates imposed by local regulations.

Off-grid system

Advantages:

Independence from the power grid: The off-grid system operates autonomously and is not connected to the public grid, ensuring full energy independence.

Energy storage: The energy produced is stored in batteries, allowing it to be used at any time, including during power cuts.

Flexibility: The off-grid system can be used in places where connection to the grid is impossible or uneconomic, such as holiday homes or remote locations.

Disadvantages:

Higher costs: Off-grid systems are more expensive to install, mainly due to the cost of batteries and energy management equipment.

Limited power: The capacity of an off-grid system is limited by the capacity of the batteries, which may require careful planning of energy consumption.

Maintenance: Batteries and other off-grid system components require regular maintenance and may have a limited lifespan.

System choice: On-grid or Off-grid?

An on-grid system is ideal for those who can easily connect to the power grid and want to benefit from selling surplus energy. It is also a cheaper option, which can speed up the return on investment.

An off-grid system, on the other hand, is the best choice for those who need energy independence, such as in areas without access to the grid. Although more expensive, it provides full autonomy and can be more reliable in emergency situations.

Before making a decision, it is worth considering your energy needs, installation location and budget carefully in order to choose the most optimal system for you.

If you think that an installation that combines the advantages of ongrid and offgrid would be most beneficial for you, please see our article on hybrid installations:

Hybrid installations