An off-grid solar system (off-the-grid, standalone) is the obvious alternative to one that is grid-tied. For homeowners that have access to the grid, off-grid solar systems are usually out of question. Here`s why: To ensure access to electricity at all times, off-grid solar systems require battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off-the-grid). On top of this, a battery bank typically needs to be replaced after 5 years. Batteries are complicated, expensive and decrease overall system efficiency.
Advantage of Off-Grid Solar Systems Become energy self-sufficient Living off the grid and being self-sufficient feels good. For some people, this feeling is worth more than saving money. Energy self-sufficiency is also a form of security. Power failure on the utility grid do not affect off-grid solar systems. On the flip side, batteries can only store a certain amount of energy, and during cloudy times, being connected to the grid is actually where the security is. You would need to install a backup generator to be prepared for these kinds of situations.