How to decide if off-grid, micro-grid or grid-tie is the right option.
One term I hear more often these days is Micro-grid, but there seems to be com confusion about the difference between a microgrid, off-grid and grid-tied systems. Grid-tied systems are the most common residential systems where a property owner installs panels and connects the system to the public utility. Off-grid systems are completely independent systems that often rely on battery or generators to provide power to one user. Microgrid systems are most often a hybrid system. They are often grid-tied systems what incorporate some form of power storage or generator that can be leveraged at times when grid power isn’t available.
So what system is right for you? It depends on your situation. If you live in a residential neighborhood, then you likely have no other option then to have a grid-tied system of some sort. Battery backup systems are becoming more popular and affordable for these kinds of installation, for times when the grid is down. If you live in an area where power failures are common, then this type of system may be the correct solution for you as it provides the best energy security. In periods of prolonged power outages, it has the option of using your installed solar to recharge the battery bank and continue to provide power. If you only loose power infrequently, and just for a few hours then a backup generator may suit your needs just fine.
Off-grid systems are completely independent systems. They can be as simple as a generator, but most commonly are based around a solar array and battery bank. My system is an off-grid system. While I would never go back to being on the grid personally, it’s not a choice I would recommend if grid power were an option for your property. A hybrid system described above is a better solution for the average person in my opinion. Most people I talk to don’t have a good understanding of their power requirements and understand less of how to manage and service an off-grid electrical system. basically, when you are off-grid you are you own power company. Off-grid may be the only option for certain situations like remote properties, and a number of companies such as Battle Born make great off-grid batteries.
Less common are community microgrid systems, where a few homes or businesses tie into a common solar and battery-based system that is often grid-tied and incorporated some kind of generator backup as well. These systems have the advantage of splitting the cost of energy security among a group.
The most common type of microgrid system currently in use are those being utilized by hospitals where power loss it isn’t really an option. Larger commercial based microgrid systems are a subject of focus outside the scope of this blog so I’m not going to dive into then in any detail.
In the coming weeks I’m planning to have more in depth posts about the different options available for solar based power systems, so stay tuned.