Off-Grid

As the name suggests, Off-Grid refers to inverters and systems that  do not need a grid connection to function . However, you  can still be linked and supplied power by the grid  and have an Off-Grid inverter.

You will need to invest in a battery bank as an Off-Grid inverter cannot function without one.

A great advantage of an Off-Grid system is that should the Grid fail,  you still have access either to Solar Power or power stored in your battery bank . Grid-Tied systems need the Grid to function so should the Grid fail, you will not have access to solar power.

An Off-Grid system with solar panels will ensure you save money on electricity during the day, and because you have battery backup, you’ll be able to  keep the lights on during load shedding and even at night .

Another advantage of Off-Grid inverters is that you can connect an alternate source of power like a generator to your system. If you decided to take your home completely Off-Grid, this is especially useful because you are still able to have usable power should you not have enough energy stored in your batteries or the weather is bad.

The disadvantage of Off-Grid inverters is that they don’t typically blend power sources together, for this we recommend a Hybrid inverter. Hybrid inverters connect to the same sources as an Off-Grid inverter (solar PV, battery and grid) with the added “blending” and feedback feature.

The concept of “blending” is quite simple, if your PV power isn’t enough to power your load it will take from either the battery or grid to make up for that difference. The same applies if there is not enough battery to power the load it will take the difference from the grid. This ensures you are always using available solar or stored power at all times until there isn’t any left, thus in turn saving you money.