Types of Solar Systems

Gid Tie Systems:
Grid-Tie systems, also called Straight Line-
Tie systems requires only solar panels and an inverter specialized for this application. This option is very popular as it is the least costly, most efficient and the “greenest.” All available energy produced flows into the house breaker-panel. If you are producing more power than you are using, the electric meters spins backward. If you are using more power than you are producing, the meter turns forward.

This choice is the cheapest option since it uses the fewest components; a solar array and sine wave inverter. The system budget is then focused mainly on two components allowing a maximum number of panels and therefore maximum energy for the dollar. This type of system is also the most flexible from a design standpoint as it can be scaled to displace any portion or your entire electric bill. With this type of PV installation, however, this system will not produce power if the utility grid goes down, even during sunny times.

Grid Interactive:
Grid-Interactive with Battery Backup systems have a solar array, a charge controller, an inverter that produces utility quality AC power and can synchronize with the utility grid, and a battery bank. When energized, this system keeps the battery storage at full capacity (with a combination of solar and grid power) and it is only tapped into during a power outage at which time the inverter carries the electrical loads on its own drawing from the battery and PV sources.

Off Grid Systems:
Off-Grid, also called a Stand-Alone system, is one where the electrical installation is isolated from utility company power. This requires solar panels for producing electricity, a charge controller, and battery storage. Another component, called an inverter which converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), is often installed to allow the system to power standard mass produced appliances. Click here to read an article in Back Home Magazine about one of our off grid installations!

Thermal Solar Systems:


	Gid Tie Systems: Grid-Tie systems, also called Straight Line- Tie systems requires only solar panels and an inverter specialized for this application. This option is very popular as it is the least costly, most efficient and the “greenest.” All available energy produced flows into the house breaker-panel. If you are producing more power than you are using, the electric meters spins backward. If you are using more power than you are producing, the meter turns forward.
This choice is the cheapest option since it uses the fewest components; a solar array and sine wave inverter. The system budget is then focused mainly on two components allowing a maximum number of panels and therefore maximum energy for the dollar. This type of system is also the most flexible from a design standpoint as it can be scaled to displace any portion or your entire electric bill. With this type of PV installation, however, this system will not produce power if the utility grid goes down, even during sunny times.

	Grid Interactive: Grid-Interactive with Battery Backup systems have a solar array, a charge controller, an inverter that produces utility quality AC power and can synchronize with the utility grid, and a battery bank. When energized, this system keeps the battery storage at full capacity (with a combination of solar and grid power) and it is only tapped into during a power outage at which time the inverter carries the electrical loads on its own drawing from the battery and PV sources.

	Off Grid Systems: Off-Grid, also called a Stand-Alone system, is one where the electrical installation is isolated from utility company power. This requires solar panels for producing electricity, a charge controller, and battery storage. Another component, called an inverter which converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), is often installed to allow the system to power standard mass produced appliances. Click here to read an article in Back Home Magazine about one of our off grid installations!
	Thermal Solar Systems: