What do the terms grid-tie, on-grid, grid-connected, grid-interactive and off-grid mean?
• Refers to systems that are connected to the utility electrical grid. • This type of PV system operates in parallel with your local utility service, providing a supplemental source of clean, renewable energy. Direct current (DC) power from the solar modules is fed to an inverter that converts this energy to utility-grade alternating current (AC). This energy is then feed into a building’s load center, helping offset incoming utility power. Grid-interactive, Grid-inter-tied • Refers to systems are that are connected to the utility electrical grid. Off-grid • Refers to systems that are not connected to the utility electrical grid • This type of PV system is designed as the primary power source for remote locations without utility service. These systems always have deep-cycle storage batteries and occasionally are coupled with a fossil-fuel generator to provide reliable service regardless of weather conditions.
