A grid-tie solar system, also known as an on-grid or grid-connected solar system, is a type of solar energy installation that is designed to work in conjunction with the existing electrical grid. It allows you to generate your own electricity from solar panels and feed any excess energy back into the grid. Here's how a grid-tie solar system works:

1. Solar Panels: The system starts with solar panels, which are usually mounted on the roof or in an area with good sun exposure. These panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
2. Inverter: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is then sent to an inverter. The inverter's main function is to convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the type of electricity used in homes and on the grid.
3. Utility Meter: The AC electricity produced by the inverter can be used to power your home's electrical loads. If your solar system generates more electricity than your home is consuming at a particular moment, the excess electricity flows back into the electrical grid through your utility meter.
4. Net Metering: This is a key feature of grid-tie systems. When your solar system produces more electricity than your needs, your utility meter records the excess energy being sent back to the grid. This is called net metering. As a result, you receive credits for the excess energy that can be used when your solar system isn't producing enough electricity, such as at night or during cloudy days.
5. Grid Interaction: The grid-tie system remains connected to the main utility grid at all times. This connection enables you to draw electricity from the grid when your solar panels aren't generating enough power (like at night) and to send excess energy back when your panels are producing more than you're using. This interaction ensures a reliable and continuous power supply to your home.
6. Energy Consumption: The goal of a grid-tie solar system is often to reduce your overall energy consumption from the grid. By generating your own electricity, you can lower your electricity bills and potentially even earn credits for the surplus energy you generate.

It's important to note that grid-tie solar systems do not typically provide power during grid outages. This is a safety measure to prevent solar-generated electricity from flowing into the grid and potentially causing harm to utility workers working on the lines.

In summary, a grid-tie solar system is a way to harness solar energy and use it alongside the traditional grid infrastructure, providing both financial benefits and environmental advantages by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

An on-grid hybrid solar system is a solar system with battery storage, optional generator connections and a connection to the electrical grid. This type of system allows you to enjoy the benefits of both solar energy and grid electricity while also providing some degree of energy independence and resilience. Here's how an on-grid hybrid solar system works:

Solar Panels: Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. These panels are typically mounted on rooftops, ground structures, or other locations with good sun exposure.

Inverter: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the standard form of electricity used in homes and businesses. An inverter is used to perform this conversion.

Energy Management System: An important component of an on-grid hybrid system is the energy management system. This system monitors the electricity generated by the solar panels, the energy consumption of your home or facility, and the state charge of the battery.

Battery Storage: The energy generated by the solar panels can be stored in batteries for later use. During times of excess solar generation, any surplus energy that is not immediately used by the home or facility can be stored in the batteries. This stored energy can be used when solar production is low or at night.

Load Management: Efficient energy usage is important in on-grid hybrid systems. Loads are separated into Essential and Non-essential Loads. Essential Loads are those which you require to operate during grid outages using solar and battery storage such as lights and plug points in your home or key equipment for your business. Non-essential loads are those that you do not need operating during a grid outage, such as geysers, pool pumps and non-critical equipment for your business.

Grid Connection: Unlike off-grid systems, on-grid hybrid systems maintain a connection to the electrical grid. This connection serves several purposes:

• Export to Non-essential loads: When the grid is connected, you can export solar energy and stored battery energy to your the Non-essential Loads.
• Net Metering: When your solar panels produce more electricity than you are using, the excess energy can be fed back into the grid and you can receive credits for the surplus energy you contribute to the grid.
• Grid as Backup: If your battery storage is depleted or your solar panels are not producing enough energy, you can draw electricity from the grid to meet your needs. The grid essentially acts as a backup power source

System Monitoring and Control: Many on-grid hybrid systems offer monitoring and control features that allow you to track your energy production, consumption, battery status, and grid interactions. This information helps you optimize your energy usage and make informed decisions.

The key advantages of an on-grid hybrid solar system include the ability to offset your energy consumption with solar power, potentially earn credits for excess energy sent to the grid, and have access to grid electricity as a backup. This type of system strikes a balance between renewable energy generation, energy storage, and grid connectivity, offering greater energy independence compared to a purely grid-tied system while still enjoying the benefits of grid access.

An Off-grid Hybrid solar inverter uses solar panels to charge batteries and power the load in the same way as the On-grid Hybrid inverter. It can also be connected to the grid or a generator to use as an alternative power source in the event there is not enough power from the solar or the batteries. An Off-Grid inverter however cannot export solar or battery power to Non-Essential (grid side) loads or to the grid, so energy savings from solar produced by off-grid inverters is limited to the power used by the essential loads connected to the inverter's output.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) is a standalone system that stores electrical energy in batteries for later use. It can be used in conjunction with various energy sources, including renewable sources like solar panels, as well as with traditional energy sources like the grid or generators.

Purpose: A BESS primarily stores excess electricity generated by various sources, including solar panels, during times of low energy demand or high production. It then releases stored energy during periods of high demand or when the primary energy source is not producing energy.

Components: A BESS typically consists of batteries, battery management systems, inverters, and control systems. It doesn't include solar panels or other energy generation sources.

Applications:

• Backup Power: Providing backup power during grid outages or when the primary energy source is unavailable.
• Time Shifting: Storing energy during off-peak times (when energy is cheaper) and using it during peak demand hours.
• Load Management: Balancing energy supply and demand to prevent grid instability.

Independence: BESS can work independently of energy generation sources, depending on how it's designed and configured. It can be charged from the grid or other sources besides solar panels.